How Don Henley Soared After The Eagles | VOX | Professor of Rock

When the Eagles broke up in the early 80s, Don Henley created the perfect solo career from Dirty Laundry to the Boys of Summer to The Heart of the Matter and beyond, Don’s vocals have unique and beautiful blend of warmth & sensitivity that exudes a distinct expression in the way he an interprets a song. As writer, he is like a prophet of our day his lyrics are symbolic and multidimensional, incorporating personal and societal ideas. His songs have become the backbone of our lives from birth to the grave and on. Here we celebrate his solo career.

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Hey music junkies Professor of Rock here to celebrate the greatest artists and songs of all time. If you dig music, click below to subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss out on our daily content.

Today we present another episode of our show: VOX.

#5
New York Minute, from his masterpiece, End of the Innocence. We’ve talked about Don Henley as a singer. His voice is anointed. Well as a songwriter, as a lyricist the man is a modern day prophet. Lyrically this song is like a modern day writing out of the book of revelations describing world we live in right now and right then in 1989 when it first came out. This song is a witness and a warning, a sign of the times. Especially in the verse lyrics: Lying here in the darkness I hear the sirens wail Somebody’s going to emergency Somebody’s going to jail If you find somebody to love in this world You better hang on tooth and nail The wolf is always at the door then the chorus:

#4- The 4th single off Don’s 2nd solo album Building the Perfect Beast -“Sunset Grill”- A song that peaked at #7 on the Billboard Top Rock Tracks, and #22 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early ’85.
The original “Sunset Grill” was a legendary greasy hamburger joint on Sunset Blvd in Hollywood. The Sunset Grill was laid out as an open air cafe with bar stools, where passerby’s could easily stop off the famous street, grab a stool, and order a burger & a beer. Since the joint was smack dab in the middle of the Sunset strip, the Sunset Grill would get a mixed bag of patrons, along with some unsavory characters. Don tapped into the history of the Sunset Grill, “Sunset Grill” was a metaphor to aspects of the Hollywood life that he liked, and things he didn’t like.

#3- The lead single from Building the Perfect Beast- “The Boys of Summer”- It was one of four #1 rock tracks for Henley, and a #5 pop hit. It also went to #12 in the UK. “Boys of Summer” is a song about longing for an ex-lover. The tune is rich in poignant & descriptive lyrics, and a haunting musical score that really puts you in a reflective & somber mood, but it doesn’t put you in a sad place. That’s because Henley’s brilliant interpretation is fervent and cathartic. The words are from Don, and the music was written & produced by Mike Campbell (of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers fame).

#3- From 1989, the title track to Don’s 3rd solo album “The End of the Innocence”. Co-written by Don & Bruce Hornsby, who also plays the really beautiful piano parts on the song. It’s no secret that Henley was against the political agenda of President Ronald Reagan, and he was concerned about the rise of the military & decline of family farms during Regan’s run in the 80s. There are elements of those concerns in the lyrics of this song. But, “The End of the Innocence” is not really political. It’s a beautiful lament that describes the end of an era.

#1-The deeply moving ballad from The End of the Innocence- “The Heart of the Matter”- Henley collaborated with his friend JD Souther on the lyrics to the song. JD had worked with Don & Glenn Frey on many compositions for The Eagles- including “New Kid in Town”, “Best of My Love”, and “Heartache Tonight.” Don & JD were in a similar emotional place in their lives when they wrote “The Heart of the Matter”. They were both recovering from a difficult breakup with their significant other. That seemed to be the perfect storm that helped to put this amazing song together. Now I know I’ll ruffle some feathers with this next statement, but in my heart, This is my favorite Don Henley performance Be it with the Eagles or solo.