Don Henley is an American singer, songwriter and musician best known as the co-founder, drummer and lead vocalist of the Eagles, the band behind Hotel California, one of the best-selling albums of all time, and as a solo artist behind hits including The Boys of Summer and The End of the Innocence. With his distinctive voice, his songwriting gift and his talent for crafting songs that are both deeply personal and universal, Henley has built a career that spans more than five decades, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest singers in rock music.
| Full Name | Donald Hugh Henley |
| Date of Birth | July 22, 1947 |
| Age | 79 years old (as of November 2026) |
| Birthplace | Gilmer, Texas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Profession | Singer, songwriter, musician |
| Known For | The Eagles, Hotel California, The Boys of Summer |
| Wife | Sharon Summerall (married 1995) |
| Children | Three, Annabel, Julia and Will |
| Net Worth | Approx. $250 million (Celebrity Net Worth, 2025) |
Who Is Don Henley?
Don Henley is a musician who became one of the biggest stars in rock music. He first found fame with the Eagles, a band he co-founded in 1971 with Glenn Frey, and he went on to write and sing some of the band’s most beloved songs, including Desperado in 1973, Hotel California in 1977 and The Last Resort in 1976.
Henley also had a successful solo career, with hits including Dirty Laundry in 1982, The Boys of Summer in 1984 and The End of the Innocence in 1989. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Eagles in 1998, and he has been praised for his voice and his songwriting.
Early Life & Background
Donald Hugh Henley was born on July 22, 1947, in Gilmer, Texas, the son of a parts dealer father, and he grew up in Linden, Texas, where he attended Linden-Kildare High School. He began playing drums as a teenager, teaching himself to play by ear, and he formed a band called The Four Speeds while still in high school.
After graduating from high school, Henley attended Stephen F. Austin State University, where he studied, and he formed the band Shiloh in 1969, recording an album in 1970. He then moved to Los Angeles, where he met Glenn Frey, and they formed the Eagles in 1971.
He has been married to Sharon Summerall, a former model, since 1995, and they have three children, Annabel, Julia and Will. He lives in Dallas, Texas, and he is known for his love of the environment and for his work with the Walden Woods Project, a conservation organisation he founded in 1990.
Career
Henley’s breakthrough came with the Eagles in 1971, when he co-founded the band and recorded the album Eagles, which included his songs Witchy Woman and Desperado. The album was a huge success, and Henley went on to record Hotel California in 1976, one of the best-selling albums of all time, which included the title track and New Kid in Town.
After Hotel California, Henley released his solo debut I Can’t Stand Still in 1982, which included the hit Dirty Laundry, and he recorded Building the Perfect Beast in 1984, which included The Boys of Summer. He has continued to lead the Eagles through numerous line-up changes, and he remains the band’s only constant member alongside guitarist Joe Walsh.
Like fellow rock star Stevie Nicks, Henley is known for a career that spans decades and for the craft and innovation he brings to every performance. He continues to record and perform, and he remains one of the most beloved musicians in rock music.
Facts About Don Henley
- Don Henley co-founded the Eagles in 1971 with Glenn Frey.
- He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Eagles in 1998.
- He was born Donald Hugh Henley in Gilmer, Texas, in 1947.
- His solo hit The Boys of Summer won a Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance in 1986.
- He has been married to Sharon Summerall since 1995, and they have three children, Annabel, Julia and Will.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Don Henley?
Don Henley was born on July 22, 1947, which makes him 79 years old as of November 2026.
How tall is Don Henley?
Don Henley is 5 feet 10 inches tall (1.78 metres).
Who is Don Henley married to?
Don Henley has been married to Sharon Summerall since 1995. They have three children, Annabel, Julia and Will.
What is Don Henley’s net worth?
Don Henley’s net worth is estimated at approximately $250 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth in 2025.
What is Don Henley best known for?
Don Henley is best known as the co-founder and lead vocalist of the Eagles and for Hotel California.
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