Donald Hugh Henley (born July 22, 1947) is an American musician, a founding member of the Eagles, and its sole continuous member. He is the drummer and co-lead vocalist, singing hits like “Hotel California” and “Desperado”.
After the Eagles disbanded (1980), he launched a solo career, releasing five studio albums with hits like “The Boys of Summer”. The Eagles have sold over 150 million albums, winning six Grammy Awards. Henley has also supported environmental causes, notably the Walden Woods Project.
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Don Henley Net Worth
Don Henley has a net worth of $250 million. In 2018, he purchased a West Hollywood home for $2.2 million. The Spanish-style property, originally listed at $1.85 million, is a 1,800-square-foot house built in 1923 but heavily updated. It features oak floors and a Batchelder-tiled fireplace in the living room.
Early life
Donald Hugh Henley was born in Gilmer, Texas, and raised in Linden. He is the son of Hughlene and C.J. Henley and has English, Scottish, and Irish ancestry. Henley attended Linden-Kildare High School, initially playing football before switching to band, where he played trombone and later percussion.
After graduating in 1965, he attended Stephen F. Austin State University and North Texas State University. Henley left college in 1969 to care for his father, who was suffering from heart disease.
Career
Don Henley joined a Dixieland band in high school with Richard Bowden and Jerry Surratt, later forming The Four Speeds. Renamed Felicity, they released “Hurtin'” in 1964. In 1969, Kenny Rogers took interest, renaming them Shiloh and signing them to Amos Records.
They moved to Los Angeles in 1970, recording an album before disbanding in 1971. Henley met Glenn Frey there, and both joined Linda Ronstadt’s band. Alongside Randy Meisner and Bernie Leadon, they formed Eagles in 1971.
Personal life
Don Henley dated Lorelei Shellist, inspiring “Wasted Time” and “Hotel California”. He later had an on-off relationship with Stevie Nicks, who wrote “Sara” about their unborn child before having an abortion. Henley then dated Lois Chiles and was engaged to Maren Jensen, who contributed to “Johnny Can’t Read” before they split in 1986.
In 1995, he married Sharon Summerall, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. They have three children. In 2012, his fortune was $200 million. In 2024, he stalled a biography by Ed Sanders.
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Conclusion
Don Henley’s journey from a drummer in a high school band to a rock legend with the Eagles and a successful solo artist illustrates a career marked by musical innovation and commercial success. His significant net worth is a testament to his enduring influence in the world of rock music.
FAQs about Don Henley
- What awards has Don Henley won? – Henley has won numerous Grammy Awards with the Eagles and as a solo artist.
- What is Don Henley’s most famous song? – “Hotel California” and “The End of the Innocence” are among his most acclaimed works.
- Is Don Henley involved in any charities? – Yes, he is actively involved in environmental and artists’ rights advocacy.
- Has Don Henley authored any books? – While Henley hasn’t authored books, his songwriting has been widely praised.
- Where does Don Henley currently reside? – As of 2019, he resides in Dallas, Texas with his family.
