Joseph Fidler Walsh (born November 20, 1947) is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter, best known for his work with the Eagles. He has had a five-decade career, including time with James Gang, Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, and Herbs. Walsh was ranked No. 54 on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.”
He joined the Eagles in 1975, contributing to their iconic album Hotel California. Walsh has released 12 solo albums and hits like “Rocky Mountain Way” and “Life’s Been Good”.
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Joe Walsh Net Worth
Joe Walsh has a net worth of $75 million. His primary residence is a 20-acre property in the “Beverly Hills Post Office” area, purchased in 2008 for $4.5 million. For nearly 30 years, Walsh lived in a mansion in Studio City, California, which he sold in 2018 for $1.9 million.
In 2013, he bought a home above Beverly Hills for $3.95 million, later listing it in 2019 for $5.3 million. It sold for $4.6 million in October 2019.
Early Life
Joseph Fidler Walsh was born on November 20, 1947, in Wichita, Kansas. His father, Lt. Robert Newton Fidler, died in a plane crash in 1949, and his mother, Helen, was a classically trained pianist. Walsh was adopted by his stepfather at age five and took his surname, keeping Fidler as his middle name.
He lived in Columbus, Ohio, and later New York City and Montclair, New Jersey, where he attended Montclair High School. After high school, he briefly attended Kent State University before dropping out to pursue music.
Career
After leaving school, Joe Walsh gained national recognition as lead guitarist for James Gang, known for hits like “Funk #49”. In 1972, Walsh left and formed Barnstorm with Joe Vitale and Kenny Passarelli, releasing three albums. The last, 1974’s “So What”, featured contributions from Eagles members.
Walsh joined the Eagles in 1975, replacing Bernie Leadon. His first album with them, “Hotel California”, became their second-best-selling album with 32 million copies sold, featuring hits like “Hotel California” and “Life in the Fast Lane.”
Personal life
Joe Walsh has been married five times: to Margie Walsh in the 1960s, Stefany Rhodes (1971-1978), Juanita Boyer (1980-1988), and Denise Driscoll (1999-2006). He had a well-known fling with Stevie Nicks in the ’80s. In 2008, he married Marjorie Bach, whose sister, Barbara Bach, has been married to Ringo Starr since 1981.
Walsh’s daughter, Emma Kristen, tragically died in a car accident at age 3. His daughter, Lucy Walsh, is also a musician. Together with Christian Quilici, he co-founded the philanthropy VetsAid.
Why did Joe Walsh leave the Eagles?
Joe Walsh left the Eagles due to his ongoing struggles with alcoholism and drug addiction. After joining the band in 1975, he enjoyed success, but his personal problems persisted. In 1980, the Eagles quit touring and eventually broke up, while Walsh’s addiction worsened. He later admitted, “I became about as alcoholic and drug-dependent as someone can be.”
Despite this, his Eagles bandmates played a crucial role in helping him overcome his issues, ultimately saving his life and leading to his recovery.
Conclusion
Joe Walsh’s financial journey reflects his extraordinary career in music. From his beginnings with the James Gang to his superstardom with the Eagles and his solo success, Walsh’s talent and resilience have made him not just a musical icon but also a financial success story.
FAQs about Joe Walsh
- What role did Joe Walsh play in the Eagles? Joe Walsh was the guitarist and vocalist for the Eagles, known for his unique style and contributions to their sound.
- Has Joe Walsh had a successful solo career? Yes, alongside his role in the Eagles, Walsh has enjoyed a successful solo career with several hit albums and singles.
- What is Joe Walsh’s most famous song? “Rocky Mountain Way” from his solo career and “Life in the Fast Lane” with the Eagles are among his most famous songs.
- Has Joe Walsh been inducted into any Hall of Fame? Joe Walsh was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 as a member of the Eagles.
- What is Joe Walsh’s legacy in rock music? Joe Walsh is celebrated for his innovative guitar playing and influential role in shaping the sound of 1970s rock music.
