Don Henley is a prominent American musician, singer, songwriter, and founding member of the Eagles, one of the most successful bands in the history of popular music. He was born on July 22, 1947, in Gilmer, Texas.
Henley’s contributions as the drummer and one of the lead vocalists of the Eagles played a pivotal role in shaping the band’s sound and success. The Eagles produced numerous hit songs, including classics like “Hotel California,” “Desperado,” “Take It Easy,” and “Life in the Fast Lane.” Henley’s soulful voice, along with his songwriting skills, helped define the band’s signature harmonies and laid-back California rock sound.
Following the breakup of the Eagles in 1980, Henley embarked on a successful solo career. He released several critically acclaimed albums, including “I Can’t Stand Still” (1982), “Building the Perfect Beast” (1984), and “The End of the Innocence” (1989). His solo hits include “Dirty Laundry,” “The Boys of Summer,” “The Heart of the Matter,” and “New York Minute.”
Henley’s solo work often delves into social and political themes, reflecting his passion for environmental conservation, political activism, and social justice issues.
In addition to his music career, Henley has been involved in various philanthropic efforts and activism, particularly focusing on environmental conservation and advocacy for musicians’ rights.
Throughout his career, Don Henley has earned numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Eagles in 1998. His influence as a musician, songwriter, and activist continues to be felt, making him a significant figure in the history of American popular music.
1. The Last Worthless Evening
“The Last Worthless Evening” is a song by Don Henley, released as a single from his third solo studio album, “The End of the Innocence,” in 1989. The song was written by Henley along with songwriter and guitarist John Corey.
“The Last Worthless Evening” is a soft rock ballad with a melancholic tone. Its lyrics depict a scene of heartbreak and regret, with the protagonist reflecting on a failed relationship and the pain of letting someone go. The song’s title suggests a sense of resignation, as the protagonist realizes that the evening spent with their former lover was ultimately futile and meaningless.
Musically, “The Last Worthless Evening” features Henley’s soulful vocals accompanied by acoustic and electric guitars, as well as subtle orchestration. The song’s emotional depth and Henley’s evocative delivery contribute to its impact, making it a standout track on the album.
“The Last Worthless Evening” received positive reviews from critics and became a moderate hit on the charts, reaching the top 40 in the United States. It remains a fan favorite and is often regarded as one of Don Henley’s most poignant and introspective songs, showcasing his talent as a singer-songwriter.
2. Not Enough Love in the World
“Not Enough Love in the World” is a song by Don Henley, released as a single from his second solo studio album, “Building the Perfect Beast,” in 1984. The song was written by Henley, along with Danny Kortchmar and Benmont Tench.
“Not Enough Love in the World” is a soft rock ballad with a reflective and introspective tone. The lyrics explore themes of longing, loneliness, and the search for love in a world filled with superficiality and uncertainty. The protagonist expresses a desire for deeper connections and meaningful relationships, lamenting the lack of genuine affection and emotional fulfillment in their life.
Musically, “Not Enough Love in the World” features Henley’s emotive vocals accompanied by lush instrumentation, including keyboards, guitars, and subtle percussion. The song’s melodic hooks and atmospheric production contribute to its atmospheric and evocative quality.
The song received positive reviews from critics and became a moderate hit on the charts, reaching the top 40 in the United States. It remains a fan favorite and is often regarded as one of Don Henley’s standout solo tracks, showcasing his talent as a singer-songwriter and his ability to convey complex emotions through his music.
3. Taking You Home
“Taking You Home” is a song by Don Henley, released as a single from his fourth solo studio album, “Inside Job,” in 2000. The song was written by Henley, along with Stan Lynch and Timothy Drury.
“Taking You Home” is a soft rock ballad with a heartfelt and intimate tone. The lyrics depict a scene of love and companionship, with the protagonist expressing a desire to take their partner home and share moments of intimacy and closeness. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of warmth, affection, and devotion, as the protagonist expresses their deep emotional connection to their loved one.
Musically, “Taking You Home” features Henley’s smooth vocals accompanied by acoustic guitar, keyboards, and subtle percussion. The song’s laid-back groove and melodic hooks contribute to its soothing and romantic atmosphere.
While “Taking You Home” was not a commercial hit, it received positive reviews from critics and has remained a fan favorite over the years. It showcases Don Henley’s talent as a singer-songwriter and his ability to create poignant and evocative songs that resonate with listeners on a deep emotional level.
4. The Boys of Summer
“The Boys of Summer” is a song by Don Henley, released as a single from his debut solo studio album, “Building the Perfect Beast,” in 1984. The song was written by Henley, along with Mike Campbell, guitarist of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
“The Boys of Summer” is a rock song with elements of new wave and synth-pop, characterized by its catchy melody, atmospheric production, and introspective lyrics. The song’s lyrics reflect on themes of nostalgia, longing, and lost love, with the protagonist reminiscing about a past relationship and the fleeting nature of summer romance.
Musically, “The Boys of Summer” features Henley’s distinctive vocals accompanied by a driving rhythm section, chiming guitar arpeggios, and synthesizer textures. The song’s evocative production, courtesy of renowned producer and musician Danny Kortchmar, helped it stand out on the charts and become a massive commercial success.
“The Boys of Summer” received widespread critical acclaim and became one of Don Henley’s signature songs. It reached the top of the charts in several countries, including the United States, where it peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s memorable music video, directed by Jean-Baptiste Mondino, further contributed to its success and helped solidify its status as a classic of 1980s pop-rock.
5. The End of the Innocence
“The End of the Innocence” is a song by Don Henley, released as the title track from his third solo studio album in 1989. The song was co-written by Henley and Bruce Hornsby, who also provided piano for the track.
“The End of the Innocence” is a poignant and introspective ballad that reflects on the loss of innocence and the challenges of growing up and facing the harsh realities of the world. Lyrically, it touches on themes of political and social unrest, as well as personal disillusionment and the passing of time.
Musically, the song features a soulful melody and lush instrumentation, including Hornsby’s piano, which adds depth and richness to the arrangement. Henley’s emotive vocals convey a sense of vulnerability and introspection, drawing listeners into the song’s introspective narrative.
“The End of the Innocence” received critical acclaim and became one of Don Henley’s most successful songs. It reached the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and earned Henley a Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance in 1990.
The song’s powerful message and evocative music have made it a timeless classic, resonating with listeners for its emotional depth and universal themes. It remains a standout track in Don Henley’s discography and a testament to his talent as a singer-songwriter.
6. The Heart of the Matter
“The Heart of the Matter” is a song by Don Henley, released on his third solo studio album, “The End of the Innocence,” in 1989. The song was written by Henley, along with Mike Campbell and J.D. Souther.
“The Heart of the Matter” is a soulful ballad that explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and letting go of resentment. Lyrically, it delves into the complexities of human relationships, acknowledging the pain of betrayal and the struggle to move on, but ultimately advocating for the healing power of forgiveness and understanding.
Musically, the song features a stripped-down arrangement centered around acoustic guitar, piano, and Henley’s emotive vocals. The heartfelt sincerity of Henley’s delivery, combined with the song’s poignant lyrics and melodic hooks, creates an intimate and moving listening experience.
“The Heart of the Matter” received widespread critical acclaim and became one of Don Henley’s most beloved songs. While it was not a major commercial hit, it has endured as a fan favorite and is often regarded as one of Henley’s finest achievements as a songwriter.
The song’s timeless message of reconciliation and empathy continues to resonate with listeners, making it a standout track in Henley’s catalog and a testament to his ability to capture the complexities of the human experience through his music.
7. All She Wants to Do Is Dance
“All She Wants to Do Is Dance” is a song by Don Henley, released as a single from his second solo studio album, “Building the Perfect Beast,” in 1984. The song was written by Henley, along with Danny Kortchmar.
“All She Wants to Do Is Dance” is an upbeat and energetic track with elements of rock, pop, and reggae. It features a catchy rhythm, infectious groove, and playful lyrics that tell the story of a woman who is more interested in dancing and having a good time than in the troubles of the world around her.
Musically, the song is characterized by its lively percussion, funky guitar riffs, and horn section, which give it a vibrant and danceable feel. Henley’s smooth vocals and the song’s catchy chorus contribute to its infectious energy and commercial appeal.
“All She Wants to Do Is Dance” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. Its catchy melody and infectious rhythm made it a favorite on radio and in dance clubs, solidifying its status as one of Don Henley’s most popular and enduring songs.
While the song’s lyrics are often interpreted as a critique of the superficiality and apathy of contemporary culture, its upbeat and infectious sound has made it a favorite among fans and a staple of Henley’s live performances.
8. Dirty Laundry
“Dirty Laundry” is a song by American singer-songwriter Don Henley, released as a single from his debut solo album “I Can’t Stand Still” in 1982. It was written by Henley along with Danny Kortchmar.
“Dirty Laundry” is known for its satirical and critical lyrics about sensationalist media and tabloid journalism. The song criticizes the media’s obsession with scandal and gossip, highlighting the negative impact it has on society and the erosion of journalistic integrity.
Musically, “Dirty Laundry” features a catchy melody, a driving beat, and a memorable guitar riff. Henley’s smooth vocals and the song’s infectious groove contributed to its commercial success and popularity.
“Dirty Laundry” was a hit for Don Henley, reaching high positions on the charts in multiple countries. Its message about the dark side of media culture remains relevant today, making it a timeless classic and one of Henley’s most enduring songs.
9. Sunset Grill
“Sunset Grill” is a song by Don Henley, released as a single from his second solo studio album, “Building the Perfect Beast,” in 1984. The song was written by Henley, along with Danny Kortchmar.
“Sunset Grill” is a moody and atmospheric track with a laid-back groove and evocative lyrics. The song paints a vivid picture of a late-night diner, where patrons gather to escape the troubles of the world and seek solace in each other’s company. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing, as the protagonist reflects on the passage of time and the fleeting nature of human connection.
Musically, “Sunset Grill” features a smooth and jazzy arrangement, with Henley’s soulful vocals accompanied by keyboards, saxophone, and subtle percussion. The song’s mellow vibe and haunting melody create a sense of intimacy and introspection, drawing listeners into its atmospheric world.
“Sunset Grill” was not a major commercial hit, but it received positive reviews from critics and has remained a fan favorite over the years. Its atmospheric sound and evocative lyrics have made it a standout track in Don Henley’s discography, showcasing his talent as a songwriter and his ability to create mood and atmosphere through his music.
10. New York Minute
“New York Minute” is a song by Don Henley, released as a single from his third solo studio album, “The End of the Innocence,” in 1989. The song was written by Henley, along with Danny Kortchmar and Jai Winding.
“New York Minute” is a poignant and introspective ballad that reflects on the fleeting nature of time and the unpredictability of life in a big city. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who is caught up in the hustle and bustle of New York City, facing the harsh realities of urban life and struggling to make ends meet. The song’s title is a reference to the rapid pace at which life moves in the city, where a single moment can change everything.
Musically, “New York Minute” features a soulful melody and lush instrumentation, including piano, saxophone, and strings. Henley’s emotive vocals and the song’s evocative production create a sense of melancholy and nostalgia, capturing the mood of the lyrics.
“New York Minute” received critical acclaim and became one of Don Henley’s most beloved songs. While it was not a major commercial hit, it has endured as a fan favorite and is often regarded as one of Henley’s finest achievements as a songwriter.
The song’s timeless message and evocative music continue to resonate with listeners, making it a standout track in Henley’s catalog and a testament to his ability to capture the complexities of the human experience through his music.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
