Don Henley is a highly respected American singer, songwriter, and drummer, best known as one of the founding members of the Eagles, one of the most successful bands in rock history. Born on July 22, 1947, in Gilmer, Texas, Henley’s musical career spans over five decades.
Henley’s time with the Eagles, which began in the early 1970s, yielded numerous hit songs, including “Hotel California,” “Take It Easy,” “Desperado,” and “Life in the Fast Lane.” His smooth voice, introspective songwriting, and tight harmonies with bandmates Glenn Frey and Timothy B. Schmit contributed to the Eagles’ signature sound.
After the Eagles disbanded in 1980, Henley embarked on a successful solo career. His solo debut album, “I Can’t Stand Still” (1982), featured the hit single “Dirty Laundry” and established him as a formidable solo artist. He went on to release several critically acclaimed albums, including “Building the Perfect Beast” (1984), which featured the hit singles “The Boys of Summer” and “All She Wants to Do Is Dance.”
In addition to his music career, Henley has been an active environmentalist and philanthropist. He has also been involved in various political and social causes over the years.
Don Henley’s contributions to music, both as a member of the Eagles and as a solo artist, have earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards. He continues to be regarded as one of the most influential figures in rock music.
1. The Last Worthless Evening
“The Last Worthless Evening” is a song by Don Henley, released as the third single from his third solo studio album, “The End of the Innocence,” in 1989. The song was written by Henley along with John Corey and Stan Lynch.
“The Last Worthless Evening” is a poignant ballad that explores themes of regret, longing, and lost love. The lyrics depict a narrator reflecting on a past relationship that ended, reminiscing about the final night spent together and the emotions that linger afterward.
Musically, the song features a melodic arrangement with Henley’s smooth vocals accompanied by piano, guitar, and strings. The heartfelt delivery of the lyrics and Henley’s emotive performance contribute to the song’s emotional impact.
“The Last Worthless Evening” received critical acclaim upon its release and became a moderate hit on the charts, reaching the top 40 in the United States. The song’s mature themes and sophisticated musical arrangement showcase Henley’s growth as a solo artist beyond his work with the Eagles.
Overall, “The Last Worthless Evening” is regarded as one of Don Henley’s standout tracks and remains a fan favorite among listeners who appreciate his introspective songwriting and expressive vocal delivery.
2. Not Enough Love in the World
“Not Enough Love in the World” is a song by Don Henley, featured on his third solo studio album, “The End of the Innocence,” released in 1989. The track was written by Henley, along with Danny Kortchmar and Benmont Tench.
The song explores themes of longing, loneliness, and the search for meaningful connection in a world that often feels devoid of love. Henley’s emotive vocals deliver lyrics that reflect on the challenges of finding genuine affection and emotional fulfillment, despite outward appearances of success and wealth.
Musically, “Not Enough Love in the World” features a mid-tempo groove with a smooth and polished production typical of Henley’s solo work. The song incorporates elements of pop and rock, with lush instrumentation including keyboards, guitars, and percussion.
Released as a single, “Not Enough Love in the World” achieved moderate success on the charts, reaching the top 40 in several countries. The song’s introspective lyrics and catchy melody resonated with audiences, further solidifying Henley’s reputation as a skilled songwriter and performer.
Overall, “Not Enough Love in the World” remains a notable track in Don Henley’s discography, showcasing his ability to craft poignant songs that explore the complexities of human relationships and emotions.
3. Taking You Home
“Taking You Home” by Don Henley is a soulful and introspective ballad, released in 2000 on his album “Inside Job.” The song’s mellow melody and Henley’s smooth vocals create an intimate atmosphere, inviting listeners on a journey of self-reflection and nostalgia. With its poignant lyrics and heartfelt delivery, “Taking You Home” explores themes of love, longing, and the passage of time. Henley’s evocative storytelling paints a vivid picture of finding solace and companionship in the familiarity of home, making it a deeply resonant and emotional experience for listeners. As one of Henley’s later solo works, “Taking You Home” showcases his enduring talent as a singer-songwriter and storyteller.
4. The Boys of Summer
“The Boys of Summer” is a classic song by Don Henley, released as the lead single from his second solo studio album, “Building the Perfect Beast,” in 1984. The track was written by Henley along with Mike Campbell, guitarist of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
“The Boys of Summer” is a nostalgic and introspective song that reflects on memories of past relationships and the passage of time. Henley’s lyrics evoke a sense of longing and regret as he reminisces about a lost love and reflects on the changes that have occurred since then.
Musically, “The Boys of Summer” features a driving beat, catchy synthesizer melodies, and a memorable guitar riff, courtesy of Mike Campbell. The song’s production is polished and sophisticated, with a sound that combines elements of rock, pop, and new wave.
Upon its release, “The Boys of Summer” became a massive commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and earning Henley critical acclaim. The song won the Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance in 1985 and remains one of Henley’s most beloved and enduring hits.
“The Boys of Summer” has been covered and sampled by numerous artists over the years, and its iconic chorus and evocative lyrics continue to resonate with listeners of all generations, cementing its status as a timeless classic in the canon of rock music.
5. The End of the Innocence
“The End of the Innocence” is a song by Don Henley, released as the title track and lead single from his third solo studio album in 1989. The song was co-written by Henley and Bruce Hornsby, who also contributed to the album’s musical arrangement.
“The End of the Innocence” is a poignant and introspective ballad that explores themes of societal change, disillusionment, and the loss of innocence. The lyrics reflect on the challenges facing the world and the need for individuals to confront difficult truths, with lines like “Offer up your best defense / But this is the end, this is the end of the innocence.”
Musically, the song features a lush and atmospheric arrangement, with Hornsby’s distinctive piano playing providing a melodic backdrop for Henley’s emotive vocals. The song builds in intensity as it progresses, with layers of instrumentation adding depth and complexity to the sound.
Upon its release, “The End of the Innocence” received widespread critical acclaim and became one of Henley’s most successful solo singles. It reached the top ten on the charts in multiple countries and earned Henley nominations for several Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
“The End of the Innocence” remains a fan favorite and a staple of Henley’s live performances. Its timeless lyrics and powerful musical arrangement continue to resonate with listeners, making it one of the standout tracks in his extensive catalog.
6. The Heart of the Matter
“The Heart of the Matter” is a profound and introspective song by Don Henley, released in 1989 on his album “The End of the Innocence.” The song’s soulful melody and Henley’s emotive vocals delve into themes of forgiveness, self-reflection, and personal growth. With its contemplative lyrics, “The Heart of the Matter” explores the complexities of relationships and the journey towards inner peace and acceptance. Henley’s poignant storytelling and heartfelt delivery resonate deeply with listeners, offering a message of hope and resilience in the face of life’s challenges. As one of Henley’s most enduring works, “The Heart of the Matter” continues to touch the hearts of audiences with its timeless wisdom and emotional depth.
7. All She Wants to Do Is Dance
“All She Wants to Do Is Dance” is a song by Don Henley, featured on his second solo studio album, “Building the Perfect Beast,” released in 1984. The track was written by Henley along with Danny Kortchmar.
“All She Wants to Do Is Dance” is an upbeat and energetic song with a catchy melody and a danceable rhythm. Lyrically, the song satirizes the hedonistic culture of the 1980s, with Henley singing about a woman who is more interested in partying and dancing than engaging with the world’s problems.
The song’s lyrics depict a scene of excess and superficiality, with references to drugs, nightclubs, and shallow relationships. Despite its somewhat cynical tone, “All She Wants to Do Is Dance” features an infectious groove and a memorable chorus that make it a popular choice for dance floors and radio airplay.
Upon its release, “All She Wants to Do Is Dance” became a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the charts in several countries. The song’s music video, directed by Jean-Baptiste Mondino, received heavy rotation on MTV and helped to further popularize the track.
Overall, “All She Wants to Do Is Dance” remains one of Don Henley’s most well-known songs, known for its catchy melody, infectious rhythm, and sharp social commentary.
8. Dirty Laundry
“Dirty Laundry” is a provocative and satirical song by Don Henley, released in 1982 on his debut solo album “I Can’t Stand Still.” The song’s catchy melody and Henley’s distinctive vocals capture the essence of tabloid culture and media sensationalism. With its biting lyrics and infectious rhythm, “Dirty Laundry” critiques the shallow and exploitative nature of news reporting, highlighting the obsession with scandal and gossip. Henley’s cynical commentary exposes the darker side of journalism and the public’s insatiable appetite for sensational stories. As one of his most iconic solo hits, “Dirty Laundry” remains a relevant and thought-provoking exploration of media ethics and the quest for truth in an age of sensationalism.
9. Sunset Grill
“Sunset Grill” is a song by Don Henley, featured on his second solo studio album, “Building the Perfect Beast,” released in 1984. The track was written by Henley along with Danny Kortchmar.
“Sunset Grill” is a mid-tempo rock song with a moody atmosphere and evocative lyrics. The song’s lyrics depict a scene at a diner called the Sunset Grill, where characters gather to escape their troubles and find solace in the night. Henley’s storytelling paints a vivid picture of the diner’s patrons and the sense of camaraderie they share.
Musically, “Sunset Grill” features a bluesy guitar riff and a smooth, laid-back groove that reflects the song’s nocturnal vibe. Henley’s soulful vocals are complemented by a sultry saxophone solo, adding to the song’s atmospheric quality.
Although “Sunset Grill” was not released as a single, it received critical acclaim and became a fan favorite from the album. Its haunting melody and introspective lyrics showcase Henley’s songwriting prowess and his ability to create vivid narratives through music.
Overall, “Sunset Grill” is regarded as one of the standout tracks on “Building the Perfect Beast” and remains a beloved deep cut in Don Henley’s discography.
10. New York Minute
“New York Minute” is a song by Don Henley, featured on his third solo studio album, “The End of the Innocence,” released in 1989. The track was co-written by Henley, Danny Kortchmar, and Jai Winding.
“New York Minute” is a reflective and atmospheric ballad that explores themes of time, change, and the fleeting nature of life. The lyrics paint a vivid portrait of New York City, capturing the hustle and bustle of urban life and the sense of transience that permeates the city streets. Henley’s storytelling is poignant and introspective, as he sings about the struggles and dreams of the people he encounters.
Musically, “New York Minute” features a haunting melody and a lush arrangement that incorporates elements of jazz and blues. The song’s instrumentation, including piano, saxophone, and strings, adds to its atmospheric quality and emotional impact. Henley’s soulful vocals convey a sense of longing and melancholy, perfectly complementing the song’s evocative lyrics.
Although “New York Minute” was not released as a single, it received critical acclaim and became a fan favorite from the album. Its poignant lyrics and atmospheric soundscapes showcase Henley’s songwriting talent and his ability to capture the essence of a moment in time.
Overall, “New York Minute” is regarded as one of the standout tracks on “The End of the Innocence” and remains a beloved deep cut in Don Henley’s discography.
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.
