In the world of rock music, the role of the drummer is often seen as a singular, unchanging entity. But for Don Henley, the drummer and singer of the Eagles, this couldn't be further from the truth. Henley's approach to drumming and singing is a testament to his unique perspective and the influence of his favorite player, The Beatles' Ringo Starr. In this article, I'll explore how Henley's admiration for Starr has shaped his own versatile and restrained approach to music, and how this has contributed to the Eagles' distinctive sound.
The Power of Versatility
One of the most striking aspects of Henley's career is his ability to move fluidly between different roles. As a drummer, he is known for his precise and restrained approach, focusing on serving the song rather than drawing attention to himself. But when it comes to singing, Henley is equally at home. His voice carries a natural weariness and emotional grit that balances the smoother harmonies of the Eagles. Whether he's delivering the bitterness of 'Desperado' or the cynicism of 'Hotel California', there's always a conversational quality to his singing that makes the songs feel grounded.
What makes this particularly fascinating is that Henley's versatility is not just a result of his natural talent, but also of his admiration for Starr. Starr, like Henley, is a drummer-singer who has moved fluidly between different roles. He has also shown a similar disregard for typical rock and roll drumming or flashy drum parts, instead focusing on the entire song as one big picture. This shared philosophy has clearly resonated with Henley, inspiring him to go beyond being tunnel-visioned on just the instrument he was sitting behind.
The Influence of Ringo Starr
Henley's admiration for Starr is evident in his choice of favorite player. He has said, 'I don't care what anybody says about Ringo. I cut my rock 'n' roll teeth listening to him'. This is not just a statement of admiration, but also a reflection of the influence Starr has had on Henley's approach to music. Starr's ability to move fluidly between different roles and his focus on the entire song as one big picture have clearly resonated with Henley, inspiring him to adopt a similar approach.
One thing that immediately stands out is that both Henley and Starr have a unique perspective on drumming. They don't drum like typical rock players, and they don't care about drum solos or flashy percussion sections. Instead, they focus on the timing, feel, and atmosphere of the music. This shared philosophy has contributed to the Eagles' distinctive sound, where the focus is on the song as a whole rather than on individual performances.
The Eagles' Sound
The Eagles' sound is a testament to the influence of Henley's approach to music. Their debut album, for example, features Henley singing lead on songs like 'Witchy Woman', and providing guitars and drums to the songs. This versatility became one of the defining traits of the Eagles' sound, with Henley's voice carrying a natural weariness and emotional grit that balanced the smoother harmonies of the band. Whether he was delivering the bitterness of 'Desperado' or the cynicism of 'Hotel California', there was always a conversational quality to his singing that made the songs feel grounded.
What many people don't realize is that the Eagles' loose approach to strict job roles was not just a result of their natural talent, but also of their shared admiration for Starr. This admiration has inspired them to move fluidly between different roles and to focus on the song as a whole rather than on individual performances. It has also contributed to the band's distinctive sound, where the focus is on the song as a whole rather than on individual performances.
The Broader Implications
Henley's approach to music raises a deeper question about the nature of musical roles and the boundaries between them. It suggests that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to music, and that musicians can and should move fluidly between different roles. It also highlights the importance of shared admiration and influence in shaping musical styles and sounds.
In my opinion, Henley's approach to music is a testament to the power of versatility and the influence of shared admiration. It has not only contributed to the Eagles' distinctive sound, but also to the broader landscape of rock music. From my perspective, it is a reminder that musicians can and should move fluidly between different roles, and that shared admiration and influence can shape musical styles and sounds in profound ways.
