Don Henley's superior songwriting abilities and rocking guitar and drum work has made him one of the most influential rock musicians alive today. During his time as the primary songwriter for the Eagles, and his own solo career, Don Henley has won multiple Grammys, played hundreds of sold-out tour dates, released numerous multi-platinum albums, and created singles that have topped the charts. While Henley hasn't released a solo album in quite some time, he is currently playing select tour dates in 2011 with the Eagles, performing a small solo concert schedule, and is working on a new solo album of country covers.
Don Henley's musical career began when he became the drummer for Linda Ronstadt's backup band, alongside guitarist and pianist Glen Frey, guitarist Bernie Leadon, and bassist Randy Meisner. After the backup band broke up, the musicians decided to form their own band, adopting the name Eagles. After the release of the Eagles' hit debut, eponymous album in 1972, Henley began taking a larger role in songwriting. His unique country style became noticeable on the hit singles "Tequila Sunrise," "Desperado," and "Best of My Love," and his leadership on tour dates -- even from behind the drums -- became apparent. Upon Joe Walsh's joining in 1975 and inspired by his style of guitar, Henley's songs took on more predominant rock style. This sound became hugely popular on the subsequent albums, Hotel California and The Long Run, which became the Eagles' most popular releases to date. By 1980, constant tour dates and recording had strained the relationships of the band's members and the Eagles disbanded, though would reunite some years later.
Don Henley's solo career began on a high note, with 1982's I Can't Stand Still containing the hit single "Dirty Laundry." Henley's next effort, Building the Perfect Beast, featured the hit singles "The Boys of Summer" and "All She Wants to Do Is Dance," the former winning a Grammy for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance. Even with the album's success, Henley's solo career had not yet peaked and 1989's The End of the Innocence went platinum six times, with Henley again taking home the Grammy for Best male Rock Vocal Performance. Eleven years later, in 2000, Henley released Inside Job, which rose to #7 on the Billboard charts, and featured contributions from Randy Newman and Stevie Wonder. Another eleven years later, in 2011, Don Henley announced that he was working on yet another solo album of country cover songs, but has not released any other information.
In addition to two Eagles shows this summer and two at the MGM Grand later this year, Don Henley only has four tour dates in 2011. Those four tour dates all take place in Central and Northern California, beginning on September 21 in Saratoga. Don Henley's 2011 tour dates end on October 5, so fans in the California area should buy tickets on Eventful soon.