The era Don Henley called the worst part of his career: “The whole transition”
Don Henley described the early 1980s, following the Eagles’ break-up, as the toughest transition of his career. Accustomed to working in bands, he struggled with the uncertainty of becoming a solo artist while the music industry was rapidly changing, including the rise of MTV.
His 1982 debut solo album, *I Can’t Stand Still*, initially faltered when its lead single, ‘Johnny Can’t Read’, failed to connect as hoped. Henley said he found firmer ground around 1984–85, helped particularly by songwriter and musician Danny Kortchmar; ‘Dirty Laundry’ became the breakthrough that launched his solo career.
- Henley struggled after the Eagles split.
- Early solo work was uncertain and difficult.
- ‘Dirty Laundry’ helped establish his solo career.