Don Henley's Solo Debut: The Journey from Eagles to "I Can't Stand Still
After the breakup of the Eagles in the 1980s, fans and industry experts were curious about what the band members would do next. Don Henley, the band's frontman, released his solo debut album, "I Can't Stand Still," in 1982. Despite not being a huge success, the album helped establish Henley's individual musical identity.
Following the Eagles' final tour, Henley received a call from Glenn Frey, his former writing partner, who informed him about his plans for a solo album. This conversation confirmed to Henley that the Eagles were over, prompting him to focus on his solo career. With limited musical skills beyond drums and piano, Henley sought collaborators to help him express himself musically.
Danny Kortchmar, a renowned session player, co-wrote six songs on "I Can't Stand Still" and played a significant role in the album's production. Henley also enlisted other talented musicians, including members of The Section, Garth Hudson, Benmont Tench, Warren Zevon, and Bill Withers, to contribute to the album. Despite the initial setback of the single "Johnny Can't Read," Henley found success with the hit song "Dirty Laundry," which reached the Top 5.
While "I Can't Stand Still" did not achieve widespread success, Henley was encouraged by the album's progress. Two years later, he released "Building The Perfect Beast," which became his solo masterpiece and returned him to commercial success reminiscent of his Eagles days. Henley's solo career was off to a promising start, showcasing his musical versatility and creativity.