Erik Ritland
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Coming in at number 87 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time, Don Henley is considered today a living legend of American rock n’ roll. The multi-talented musician’s voice is a familiar sound to listeners across the globe.
An international success, Don Henley’s name often gets mentioned when asking other artists their greatest influences and idols. Who is Don Henley? What is Don Henley’s net worth? Discover everything you need to know in this article.
Who is Don Henley?
Donald Hugh Henley is an American musician. He’s one of the original founders of the Eagles, as well as one of the only members of the band that has stayed consistently throughout the years. On his own, Don Henley has had an equally successful solo career.
While he’s often recognized as one of the best singer-songwriters in American history, the Eagles frontman also holds his place as one of the best singing drummers of all time.
When Was Don Henley Born?
Born on July 22, 1947, Don Henley’s birthdate places him right at the end of the crab star sign’s season.
As a Cancer at the cusp of Leo territory, Don Henley’s zodiac sign describes him as an intuitive, creative, and expressive individual, which definitely fits his artistic career.
Where is Don Henley From?
Although he was born in Gilmer, Texas, the “Hotel California” singer was raised in Linden, a small city with an estimated population of 1,800, roughly 41 miles away from his birthplace.
Where Does Don Henley Live?
Much like many celebrities in the mainstream, the Grammy award-winning artist spends most of his time in his Los Angeles estate. During off-seasons, the rock and roll legend returns to his roots in Texas, where he owns a sprawling residential compound in an upscale community in Dallas.
Related: 10 Best Eagles Songs
Don Henley’s Ethnicity
Although identifying as a true, blue American country boy, the “Boys Of Summer” singer has Irish, Scottish, and English blood running through his veins.
How Tall is Don Henley?
When standing alongside his Eagles bandmates, the leading man might appear to stand at a notably higher stature. However, records show that Don Henley’s height isn’t quite so remarkable at 5 feet and 10 inches.
How Much Does Don Henley Weigh?
Don Henley’s weight is speculated to be around 174 lbs.
According to the artist, he stays in shape despite his hectic schedule by always making sure to take an exercise bike, free weights, and a personal trainer with him whenever he travels or goes on tour.
Related: Bob Seger’s Net Worth
How Did Don Henley Become Famous?
Don Henley joined a Dixieland band called Shiloh during high school. Eventually, they were discovered by Kenny Rogers, a fellow Texan.
Impressed by the band’s original singles, Rogers facilitated their signing with the Amos record label. In 1971, however, Shiloh disbanded after encountering creative differences between Henley and another bandmate.
After that, Henley was recruited to join Linda Ronstadt’s touring band, where he met Glenn Frey. The two hit it off and decided while on tour to start their own band.
They went on to recruit Randy Meisner and Bernie Leadon. It wasn’t long before the newly formed band began brainstorming their first song. These four men made up the original members of the Eagles.
In 1971, they were signed to Asylum Records and released their first recorded studio album the next year. The self-titled album contained what would become their first hit song, “Take It Easy,” which peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Top 100.
The next few years would welcome a series of commercially successful country rock songs and ballads, including great rock n’ roll songs like “Desperado,” “Best of My Love,” “Witchy Woman,” “Take It To The Limit,” and “Hotel California.”
In 1980, the Eagles disbanded after conflicts between the members arose after a challenging tour. This breakup gave Henley the legroom to explore his creativity on his own and write new songs to kick off his solo career.
By 1983, the multi-talented American singer found himself on the Billboard charts once again, this time with his single “Dirty Laundry.” Selling over a million copies in the United States, the single earned Henley a certified Gold from the RIAA.
A year later, the “Garden of Allah” singer released “Boys Of Summer,” which rose to number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. This song would finally secure the singer-songwriter’s first Grammy for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.
Although his solo run was quite the success, Henley reunited with his Eagles bandmates in 1994 to eventually continue creating new music with them. By 1998, the band was officially inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Don Henley’s Parents
Don Henley was an only child born to C.J. and Hughlene Henley. His parents were involved in the farming industry and owned a humble auto parts shop in their small town.
Having often been involved in the management of their family farm, Don Henley developed a love for nature and the peaceful, quiet country life from a young age.
According to the American rock legend, his mother was a particularly strong influence on his taste for music. The artist recalls that she was the one who bought his first record – a copy of Elvis Presley‘s “Hound Dog.”
Related: How Did Elvis Die?
Who is Don Henley Married To?
Through the years, the Eagles’ frontman was linked to many women, including Stevie Nicks, Loree Rodkin, Patti Smith, and Lois Chiles. It was only in 1995, however, that the Grammy-winning musician finally settled down with Sharon Summerall at age 48.
A model and a socialite, Summerall met Henley just a year prior to their marriage. According to some reports, the model was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis just days before meeting her future husband.
Their wedding ceremony was a grand, star-studded affair graced by artists like Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Sting, and Tony Bennett. Many of the celebrity musicians also performed at the reception.
Today, the couple remains married, although Don Henley’s wife prefers to keep their personal lives private.
Related: 17 Best Bruce Springsteen Songs
Don Henley’s Children
Don and Sharon share three children – Annabel, Julia, and Will. Because of the couple’s private nature, they both chose to keep their children away from the spotlight, which is why you probably won’t find a lot of information about them on the web.
Don Henley’s son Will has made a few appearances onstage in live shows as he occasionally plays guitar for the Eagles. Don Henley’s daughters are much less exposed to the public.
We do know, however, that Don Henley wrote the song “Annabel” for his first daughter. Based on interviews, Don Henley’s kids would often tag along for tours and concerts whenever their schedules permitted, especially when they were younger.
How Many Grammys Did Don Henley Win?
Together with the Eagles, Don Henley bagged six Grammy awards, including Record of the Year in 1978, Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1980, and most recently, Best Pop Instrumental Performance in 2009.
On his own, Don Henley has won three Grammy awards, namely Best Rock Male Vocalist in 1986 and 1990 and MusiCares Person of the Year in 2007.
Is Don Henley Rich?
Try as he might to keep his personal life under wraps, there’s no hiding Don Henley’s wealth. In 2012, Don Henley ranked fourth among the world’s wealthiest drummers, just behind Ringo Starr of the Beatles, Phil Collins, and Dave Grohl.
Don Henley’s net worth is $20 million USD.
Related: 29 Best Drummers of All Time, Ranked
Why Was Don Henley Arrested?
On the night of November 21, 1980, police were called to Don Henley’s Los Angeles home for a party gone awry. There, officers reportedly found a naked 16-year-old girl who was high on cocaine, among other substances.
Another minor – a 15-year-old girl – was allegedly also found high on drugs inside the house. Both girls were taken into custody for prostitution. Henley was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
The musician pleaded no contest and paid a hefty $2,500 fine on top of being placed on probation for two years. Henley still maintains, however, that he had no contact with the minors and that he had nothing to do with the narcotics on the scene.
Related: 23 Famous Musicians Who Dated Underage Girls
Career
Don Henley combines lyrical genius and a voice endowed with real-world weariness that creates a distinctly American sound. While his name has become synonymous with Eagles, the musician notes that his co-founder, Glenn Frey, is equally responsible for the band’s success.
Following their international success, the two have long been dubbed the John Lennon and Paul McCartney of the United States. To date, Eagles retains the title of the highest-selling American band in history.
However, there is no denying that between the two luminaries, lead singer Henley was able to establish himself better as a solo artist. He’s also considered the most successful member to come out of the American rock band.
Today, Don Henley stands as one of the most influential icons of American rock and roll music and serves as the inspiration for countless musicians who have come after him.
Celebrated for his uncanny ability to evoke feelings of longing through his nostalgic songs, the “Heart of the Matter” singer has used his platform for more than just memorable songs that lifted up the music industry during sometimes trying times. Don Henley is also celebrated as one of the best singing drummers of all time.
Aside from his colorful career as a singer and musician, Don Henley is also an activist for various causes. The country rock singer has supported charities and non-profits, including The Race to Erase MS – a non-profit dedicated to funding research for multiple sclerosis treatment, which his wife is diagnosed with.
In 1990, the American rock legend founded the Walden Woods Project, which aimed to protect and conserve historic woods in Massachusetts. According to records, his not-for-profit organization has raised over $17 million in donations since it was established.
His dedication to and support for various causes that hope to conserve the environment earned him the National Humanities Medal from The National Endowment for the Humanities.
Henley is also credited for founding the Recording Artists Coalition, which works to protect the rights of musicians.
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