In addition to working with the Eagles, Don Henley also went on to a successful solo career. Especially after the group broke up in 1980, Henley focused more on solo endeavors. His debut album, “I Can’t Stand Still”, sold averagely, while the second album, “Building the Perfect Beast”, reached No. 13 on the Billboard 200 and featured the song “The Boys of Summer”, which has many awards, such as a Grammy.
As a solo musician, Henley has collaborated with various artists, including renowned musicians. Some examples are “Sometimes Love Isn’t Enough” with Patty Smyth, “Words Can Break Your Heart” with Trisha Yearwood, “Leather and Lace” with Stevie Nicks, and “When I Stop Dreaming” with Dolly Parton. Although he enjoyed working with all of them, Henley described only one of these singers as being a national treasure after working with her.
Which female artist is one of the last authentic country singers according to Don Henley?
On September 25, 2015, Don Henley released his fifth solo album. ‘Case Country.’ The album was his first in 15 years since “Inside Job” in the 2000s. After its release, “Cass Country” received generally positive reviews from critics and debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200.
In ‘Cass Country’, Don Henley worked with various artists, like Merle Haggard, Mick Jagger, Vince Gill, Alison Krauss and Dolly Parton. Speaking to Rolling Stone in 2015, Henley revealed his thoughts on working with these musicians. While saying he is a big fan of Merle Haggard, the musician pointed out that Haggard represents America and an authentic life with her voice, just like Dolly Parton.
In the interview with Rolling Stone, Don Henley said the following:
“Like Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard has a voice that represents America to me. It represents an authentic life. I know Merle had issues when he was younger. He’s been through a lot and you can hear it all in that voice.
In another interview with Taste Of Country, Henley discussed her work with Dolly Parton. He described Parton as a national treasure and one of the last authentic country music singers on the scene. The musician then said Parton has so much in his voice, reflecting his region of America, his suffering, his difficulties, his love and his compassion. According to Henley, she has a lot of colors, textures and meanings in her voice.
In the 2016 interview, Don Henley told Taste Of Country the following about Dolly Parton:
“I think she is a national treasure. I think she’s one of the last really authentic country singers we have today. There’s so much in that voice. She’s a little person, but when she opens her mouth to sing, and that voice comes out, you hear his part of America, suffering and difficulties, and love and compassion. So many colors, textures and meanings are encompassed in this voice. Everything is here.
As She Continues To Make Musical Endeavors, Dolly Parton Remains A Top Country Musician With 44 Top Careers 10 country albums and 110 career singles. Apparently, Don Henley thought the 76-year-old musician had a very expressive voice, making her a national treasure.
