Don Henley's musical world is a fascinating tapestry woven from country, rock, and soul, but who are the artists that truly captivated him?
Don Henley, the multifaceted musician, and founding member of the Eagles, is a pivotal figure in American music, seamlessly blending its diverse elements. He not only found immense fame and fortune but also steered rock music in a new direction in the 1970s, when it seemed to be losing its momentum. With the help of bandmates like Glenn Frey and Bernie Leadon, Henley co-wrote some of the most memorable pop songs of the era, which continue to inspire artists today.
The Eagles' 'Hotel California' album, with its iconic title track, 'Life in the Fast Lane,' and 'The Last Resort,' reads like a greatest hits collection. It sold over 32 million copies, making the band one of the world's most popular groups. A key ingredient in their success was Henley's eclectic taste, which included a mix of influences. But here's where it gets controversial: Were the Eagles' influences a sign of genius or simply a strategic move?
Henley has always been open about his musical heroes, citing Willie Nelson, Glen Campbell, and Patsy Cline as early muses. His love for country music is evident, and he has a particular admiration for Merle Haggard, the late songwriter, guitarist, and fiddler from California.
Haggard rose to prominence in the late 1960s, creating chart-topping hits like 'Mama Tried' and becoming a household name. Despite the inevitable ebb of mainstream success, Haggard remained revered for his work, including the collaborative album 'Pancho and Lefty' with Willie Nelson. In a 2019 interview on BBC Radio 2, Henley revealed, "My absolute favorite country singer of all time is probably a gentleman named Merle Haggard." He described Haggard's voice as "like gold" and "one of the greatest voices of all time."
Henley shared a poignant memory of meeting Haggard, proving to be an exception to the rule that one should never meet their heroes. Henley continued, “He is quite a character, to say the least [laughs]. He is really something else. There are a number of songs that are of his that are my favourite country songs. One of those songs is a ballad called Silver Wings.”
But the title of Henley's all-time favorite singer, regardless of genre, belongs to the late Ray Charles. Charles, a soul sensation, is the antithesis of Haggard, yet both have profoundly influenced Henley's life and career. This demonstrates how the Eagles crafted a rich, genre-spanning sound.
Henley stated, “This man is my favorite singer of all time, and he has never been known necessarily as a country artist, but he did a groundbreaking album back in the 1960s called Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music.” Henley's love for Charles is evident in the impact the album had on his life.
Henley's ability to appreciate both Haggard and Charles, two artists from different worlds, is a testament to his unique musical perspective. This approach helped the Eagles stand out among their contemporaries. Bruce Springsteen, Bruce Hornsby, and many others also consider Charles a top influence.
Do you agree with Henley's choices? Who are your favorite artists, and how do they reflect your own musical journey? Share your thoughts in the comments!
