July 22: Don Henley of The Eagles, is 66-years-old today.

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Donald Hugh "Don" Henley was born in in Gilmer, Texas, and grew up in the small northeast Texas town of Linden. He initially attended college at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. He then attended North Texas State University  in Denton, Texas, from 1967 to 1969. Henley left school to spend time with his father, who was dying from heart and arterial disease.

In 1970, he moved to Los Angeles to record an album with his early band, Shiloh. Shiloh's album was produced by fellow Texan Kenny Rogers. Shortly thereafter, Henley met Glenn Frey. They both became members of Linda Ronstadt's backup band. Touring with her was the catalyst for forming the group. As a result, two months later they, along with Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner, became their own act, Eagles.

The Eagles were formed in September 1971, and released their first album in 1972, which contained the hit song "Take It Easy,”written by Frey and Jackson Browne.

During the band's run, Henley co-wrote (usually with Frey) most of the band's best-known songs. Henley sang lead vocals on many of the band's popular songs, including "Desperado,”"Witchy Woman,”"Best of My Love,”"One of These Nights,”"Hotel California,”"The Long Run,”"Life in the Fast Lane" and "Wasted Time.” He also played drums and guitar.

The Eagles won numerous Grammy Awards during the 1970s and became one of the most successful rock bands of all time. They are also among the top 5 overall best-selling bands of all time in America and the highest selling American band in U.S. history.

The band broke up in 1980, following a difficult tour and personal tensions that arose during the recording of The Long Run. The Eagles subsequently reunited in 1994. Since 1994, he has divided his musical activities between the Eagles and his solo career, and Henley continues to tour and record with the Eagles and as a solo act. The Eagles latest album, Long Road Out of Eden, was released in 2007.

After the Eagles broke up in 1980, Henley pursued a solo career and released his debut album in 1982. He has released four studio albums, two compilation albums, and one live DVD. His solo hits include "Dirty Laundry,” "The Boys of Summer,” "All She Wants to Do Is Dance,” "The Heart of the Matter", "The Last Worthless Evening,”  "Sunset Grill,”"Not Enough Love in the World,” "New York Minute" and "The End of the Innocence".

The Eagles have sold over 120 million albums worldwide, won six Grammy Awards, had five #1 singles, 17 Top 40 singles, and six #1 albums. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 and are the biggest selling American band in history.

As a solo artist, Henley has sold over 10 million albums worldwide, had eight Top 40 singles, won two Grammys and five MTV Video Music Awards.

Combined with the Eagles and as a solo artist, Henley has released 25 Top 40 singles on the Billboard Hot 100. He has released seven studio albums with the Eagles and four as a solo artist.

In 2008, he was ranked the 87th greatest singer of all time by Rolling Stone magazine. Henley has also played a founding role in several environmental and political causes, most notably the Walden Woods Project.

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For more about Don Henley, visit his Website at -

http://donhenley.com/

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