Don Henley Biography: Eagles, Age, Net Worth, Songs, Wife, Children, Height, Career, Awards

Donald Hugh Henley also known as Don Henley is a highly talented and successful American musician. He is best known for being a founding member of the iconic rock band Eagles, where he serves as the drummer and co-lead vocalist.

Not only has he been a consistent member of the band, but he has also been the driving force behind many of their hit songs, including “Witchy Woman”, “Desperado”, and “Hotel California”. His powerful and emotional vocals have captivated audiences for decades, making him a standout in the music industry.

Profile

• Full Name: Donald Hugh Henley
• Stage Name: Don Henley
• Born: 22 July 1947
• Age: 77 years old
• Birthplace: Gilmer, Texas, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: American musician
• Height: 1.78 m
• Parent: Hughlene (née McWhorter) and C. J. Henley
• Siblings: 1, Tess Henley
• Spouse: Sharon Summerall (m. 1995)
• Children: 3, Annabel and Julia, and Will
• Relationship: married
• Net Worth: $250 million

Early Life And Education

Don Henley, a renowned musician and founding member of the Eagles, was born on 22 July 1947 in Gilmer, Texas, United States. He was raised by his parents Hughlene (née McWhorter; 1916–2003) and C. J. Henley (1907–1972) and grew up alongside his older sister, Tess Henley.

Coming from English, Scottish, and Irish ancestry, Henley follows the Christian faith. He attended Linden-Kildare High School before pursuing higher education at Stephen F. Austin State University and North Texas State University (now University of North Texas), where he earned a degree in English. However, he left school to spend time with his father, who was dying of heart and arterial disease.

Career

Don Henley’s career is marked by significant achievements both as a founding member of the Eagles and as a successful solo artist. With the Eagles (1971-1980, 1994-present), he co-founded the band, served as their drummer, and shared lead vocal duties.

Henley also co-wrote and sang lead on many of the Eagles’ most iconic hits, including “Witchy Woman,” “Desperado,” and “Hotel California.” The Eagles achieved commercial success, selling over 150 million records worldwide, and received critical acclaim, winning six Grammy Awards and being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. However, Henley’s solo career has also been successful, with multiple hit songs and albums, further solidifying his status as a music legend.

Don Henley’s music career has spanned over four decades and has left an enduring legacy in the music industry. As the lead singer of the Eagles, Henley achieved great success with the band’s album Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975, which remains the best-selling album of all time in the U.S.

Despite the band’s initial breakup in 1980, they have reunited multiple times since then, showcasing their enduring popularity. Henley also had a successful solo career, starting with his debut album I Can’t Stand Still in 1982, which featured the hit single “Dirty Laundry.”

His subsequent albums, such as Building the Perfect Beast (1984) and The End of the Innocence (1989), were critically acclaimed and produced chart-topping hits like “The Boys of Summer” and “The End of the Innocence.” Despite his success as a solo artist, Henley has continued to tour and record with the Eagles, solidifying his place as a legendary musician in the rock genre.

Don Henley, best known as the lead vocalist and drummer of the Eagles, has also had a successful solo career. He has won two Grammy Awards for his solo work and has been actively involved in environmental and political causes, including the founding of the Walden Woods Project.

Despite his time with the Eagles, Henley has also continued to record solo albums, with his latest release in 2015 exploring his country roots. Overall, his impact on the music industry is undeniable, with 25 Top 40 singles and millions of albums sold worldwide. Rolling Stone magazine even named him as one of the greatest singers of all time.

Award and Nomination

Grammy Awards:

Wins:

• Best Male Rock Vocal Performance for “The Boys of Summer” (1986)
• Best Male Rock Vocal Performance for “The End of the Innocence” (1990)
• MusiCares Person of the Year (2007)

Nominations:

• Rock Male Vocalist for “Dirty Laundry” (1983)
• Record of the Year for “The Boys of Summer” (1986)
• Song of the Year for “The Boys of Summer” (1986)
• Producer of the Year (Non-Classical) with Danny Kortchmar and Greg Ladanyi (1986)
• Record of the Year for “The End of the Innocence” (1990)
• Song of the Year for “The End of the Innocence” (1990)
• Album of the Year for The End of the Innocence (1990)
• Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for “Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough” with Patty Smyth (1993)
• Male Pop Vocal Performance for “Taking You Home” (2001)
• Rock Male Vocalist for “Workin’ It” (2001)
• Pop Vocal Album for Inside Job (2001)
• Country Collaboration with Vocals for “Inside Out” with Trisha Yearwood (2002)
• Pop Collaboration with Vocals for “It’s So Easy” with Sheryl Crow (2003)
• Country Collaboration with Vocals for “Calling Me” with Kenny Rogers (2007)
• American Roots Song for “The Cost of Living” with Stan Lynch (2016)

MTV Video Music Awards:

Wins:

• Video of the Year for “The Boys of Summer” (1985)
• Best Direction in a Video for “The Boys of Summer” (1985) (Jean-Baptiste Mondino, director)
• Best Art Direction in a Video for “The Boys of Summer” (1985) (Bryan Jones, art director)

Nominations:

• Best Male Video for “The Boys of Summer” (1985)
• Best Concept Video for “The Boys of Summer” (1985)

Other Notable Honors:

• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction: As a member of the Eagles (1998)
• Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction: For his songwriting achievements
• Kennedy Center Honors: As a member of the Eagles

Social Media

Facebook handle: Don Henley

Personal Life

Don Henley is a highly talented and successful American musician. He married Sharon Summerall, a former model, on May 20, 1995. However, despite their seemingly happy marriage, Henley has faced criticism for his past relationships.

He was previously in relationships with Stevie Nicks, jewelry designer Loree Rodkin, and actress Lois Chiles, and was even engaged to actress Maren Jensen. This has caused some to question the stability and sincerity of his marriage to Summerall.

However, Henley has expressed that his family, including his wife and their three children two daughters, Annabel and Julia, and a son, Will, provides him with a grounding and supportive presence. He has also credited his wife’s parents for being very involved in their children’s lives. Henley wrote the song “Everything is Different Now” to describe how his relationship with Sharon has changed him for the better.

Filmography and Discography

Filmography

As Actor:

• 2015: Don Henley: Take a Picture of This (Music Video)
• 2015: Don Henley: When I Stop Dreaming (Music Video)
• 2008: Eagles: Busy Being Fabulous (Music Video) – Party Goer
• 2007: Eagles: How Long (Music Video) – Himself
• 2007: Eagles: In Performance (TV Movie) – Himself
• 2003: Eagles: Hole in the World (Music Video) – Himself
• 2002: The Country Bears – Tennessee O’Neal (singing voice)
• 2001: Don Henley: Everything Is Different Now (Music Video) – Himself
• 2000: Don Henley: For My Wedding (Music Video) – Himself
• 2000: Just Shoot Me! (TV Series) – Himself (Episode: “Nina Van Horn”)
• 2000: Don Henley: Taking You Home (Music Video) – Himself
• 1995: Don Henley: The Garden of Allah (Music Video) – Himself
• 1994: Travis Tritt & The Eagles: Take It Easy (Music Video) – Himself
• 1994: Eagles: Take It Easy (Live on MTV 1994) (Music Video) – Himself
• 1994: Eagles: Love Will Keep Us Alive (Live on MTV 1994) (Music Video) – Himself
• 1984: Don Henley: The Boys of Summer (Music Video) – Himself
• 1970: Cry Blood, Apache

As Composer:

• 2008: Eagles: Busy Being Fabulous (Music Video)
• 2003: Eagles: Hole in the World (Music Video)
• 1995: Don Henley: The Garden of Allah (Music Video) (co-composer)
• 1990: Don Henley: The Heart of the Matter (Music Video)
• 1989: Gerald Alston: I Can’t Tell You Why (Music Video)
• 1989: Don Henley: The Last Worthless Evening (Music Video)
• 1989: Don Henley: The End of the Innocence (Music Video)
• 1984: Don Henley: The Boys of Summer (Music Video)
• 1980: Eagles: The Long Run (Music Video)
• 1980: Eagles: I Can’t Tell You Why (Music Video)
• 1977: Eagles: Take It to the Limit (Live 1977) (Music Video)
• 1977: Eagles: The Best of My Love (Live 1977) (Music Video)
• 1977: Eagles: Lyin’ Eyes (Live 1977) (Music Video)
• 1977: Eagles: Hotel California (Live) (Music Video)

As Writer:

• 2005: Lisa Marie Presley: Dirty Laundry (Music Video)
• 2000: Don Henley: Live Inside Job (TV Movie)

As Himself:

• 2022: Immediate Family
• 2020: The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2020 Inductions (TV Special)
• 2020: Eagles. Live from the Forum MMXVIII
• 2020: Laurel Canyon (TV Series documentary)
• 2019: The 42nd Annual Kennedy Center Honors (TV Special) – Presenter
• 2019: Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice (Documentary)
• 2018: Eagles: The Long Road (Documentary)
• 2016: The 39th Annual Kennedy Center Honors (TV Special) – Honoree
• 2015: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (TV Series) – Musical Guest
• 2013: The 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony (TV Special) – Presenter
• 2013: Eagles: Live at the Capital Centre (March 1977)
• 2012: CBS Mornings (TV Series)
• 2010: The Last Play at Shea (Documentary)
• 2009: O Melhor do Flash Back – 92 Clipes Para Recordar (archive footage)
• 2005: All We Are Saying (Documentary)
• 2004: Bruce Hornsby & Friends (TV Special)
• 2004: CMT Insider (TV Series)
• 2003: The Ellen DeGeneres Show (TV Series)
• 2003: Jimmy Kimmel Live! (TV Series) – Musical Guest
• 2000: The 2000 Billboard Music Awards (TV Special)
• 2000: Don Henley: Live Inside Job (TV Movie documentary)
• 1999: ABC 2000: The Millennium (TV Special)
• 1996: Dancing in the Street (TV Series documentary)
• 1996: VH1 Storytellers (TV Series)
• 1994: Jackson Browne: Going Home (TV Movie documentary)
• 1993: Late Show with David Letterman (TV Series)
• 1993: Politically Incorrect (TV Series)
• 1992: Later… with Jools Holland (TV Series)
• 1992: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (TV Series) – Musical Guest
• 1991: 1991 MTV Video Music Awards (TV Special)
• 1991: The 33rd Annual Grammy Awards (TV Special)
• 1990: 1990 MTV Video Music Awards (TV Special) – Presenter
• 1990: Intimate Portrait (TV Series documentary)
• 1990: The 32nd Annual Grammy Awards (TV Special)
• 1989: Decade (Documentary)
• 1989: MTV Unplugged (TV Series)
• 1986: The 28th Annual Grammy Awards (TV Special)
• 1985: American Masters (TV Series documentary)
• 1985: 1985 MTV Video Music Awards (TV Special) – Performer
• 1984: MTV Video Music Awards (TV Series)
• 1983: Sally Jessy Raphael (TV Series)
• 1982: Na sowas! (TV Series)
• 1979: CBS Sunday Morning with Jane Pauley (TV Series) – Musician
• 1975: Saturday Night Live (TV Series) – Musical Guest
• 1975: Austin City Limits (TV Series)
• 1973: Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert (TV Series)
• 1971: Soul Train (TV Series)
• 1971: Great Performances (TV Series) – Performer
• 1968: 60 Minutes (TV Series) (segment “eagles”)
• 1964: Top of the Pops (TV Series)
• 1952: American Bandstand (TV Series) (as Shiloh)
• 1952: Today (TV Series) – Singer

Discography

Solo Studio Albums:

• 1982: I Can’t Stand Still
• 1984: Building the Perfect Beast
• 1989: The End of the Innocence
• 2000: Inside Job
• 2015: Cass County

Solo Compilation Albums:

• 1995: Actual Miles: Henley’s Greatest Hits
• 2009: The Very Best of Don Henley

Solo Live Albums:

• 2010: End of Innocence (Live)

Singles (Solo):

• 1982: “Johnny Can’t Read”
• 1982: “Dirty Laundry”
• 1982: “You Better Hang Up”
• 1983: “I Can’t Stand Still”
• 1983: “The Unclouded Day”
• 1984: “The Boys of Summer”
• 1984: “All She Wants to Do Is Dance”
• 1985: “Not Enough Love in the World”
• 1985: “Sunset Grill”
• 1985: “Drivin’ with Your Eyes Closed” (US promo)
• 1989: “The End of the Innocence”
• 1989: “The Last Worthless Evening”
• 1989: “I Will Not Go Quietly” (airplay)
• 1989: “If Dirt Were Dollars” (airplay)
• 1990: “The Heart of the Matter”
• 1990: “New York Minute”
• 1990: “How Bad Do You Want It?” (from Days of Thunder soundtrack)
• 1995: “Actual Miles” (promo single)
• 2000: “Taking You Home”
• 2000: “Workin’ It” (promo single)
• 2000: “Everything Is Different Now” (promo single)
• 2001: “For My Wedding” (promo single)
• 2015: “Take a Picture of This”
• 2015: “When I Stop Dreaming” (featuring Dolly Parton)
• 2015: “Praying for Rain”
• 2015: “Words Can Break Your Heart” (featuring Trisha Yearwood)
• 2025: “Taking You Home” (2025 Remaster)

Albums with the Eagles:

• 1972: Eagles
• 1973: Desperado
• 1974: On the Border
• 1975: One of These Nights
• 1976: Hotel California
• 1979: The Long Run
• 1980: Eagles Live
• 1994: Hell Freezes Over
• 2007: Long Road Out of Eden

Compilation Albums with the Eagles:

• 1976: Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975)
• 1982: Eagles Greatest Hits, Vol. 2
• 1994: The Very Best Of
• 2003: The Very Best Of
• 2005: The Complete Greatest Hits

Net Worth

Don Henley is a highly talented and successful American musician who has had a successful career spanning several decades. He has achieved both critical and commercial success with his music and has a dedicated fan base. As a result, he has amassed a significant amount of wealth, with an estimated net worth between the range of $250 million.