Don Henley

Early Life

Donald Hugh Henley was born on July 22, 1947, in Gilmer, Texas, and grew up in the small town of Linden. He was raised in a family with English, Scottish, and Irish ancestry. Henley attended Linden-Kildare High School, where he initially played football but later switched to music after his coach suggested he join the school band. He started with the trombone before moving to percussion. After graduating in 1965, he attended Stephen F. Austin State University and later North Texas State University, but left to care for his ailing father.

Musical Career

Henley's musical journey began in high school when he joined a Dixieland jazz band and later formed a group called the Four Speeds, which evolved into Felicity. In 1969, he met Kenny Rogers, who helped him sign with a record label. After several lineup changes, the band Shiloh was formed, but it disbanded in 1971 due to creative differences. Henley then teamed up with Glenn Frey, and together they became founding members of the Eagles, where he served as a drummer, vocalist, and songwriter. The Eagles produced iconic hits like "Hotel California" and disbanded in 1980, only to reunite in 1994. Henley also enjoyed a successful solo career, releasing albums such as "I Can't Stand Still" and "Building the Perfect Beast."

Personal Life

Henley's personal life has been marked by high-profile relationships, including with Fleetwood Mac's Stevie Nicks and model Lois Chiles. He was engaged to actress Maren Jensen in the early 1980s, and later married Sharon Summerall in 1995, with whom he has three children. Henley has been active in philanthropy, receiving numerous awards, including the MusiCares Person of the Year and the National Humanities Medal. He is known for his political activism and is a member of the Democratic Party.