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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.
In short
- Henley struggled after the Eagles split.
- Early solo work was uncertain and difficult.
- ‘Dirty Laundry’ helped establish his solo career.
Explained simply
Don Henley was a prominent member of the Eagles, one of the biggest rock bands of the 1970s. When the band split at the end of the decade, Henley attempted to launch a solo career in an era when the music industry was undergoing rapid transformation.
The early 1980s proved particularly challenging for this transition. Henley was accustomed to the collaborative environment of a band and struggled with the uncertainty of working independently, whilst simultaneously contending with industry upheaval driven by new technologies like MTV. His 1982 debut album got off to a rocky start, with the opening single failing to gain significant traction.
Around 1984 to 1985, Henley's fortunes shifted after working with songwriter and musician Danny Kortchmar. A song titled 'Dirty Laundry' became the breakthrough moment that finally established him as a successful solo artist.