Dirty Laundry

Zoo Freaks, get ready to dive into the gritty vibes of Dirty Laundry by Don Henley from his 1982 solo debut I Can't Stand Still! This track, a scathing takedown of sensationalist media, was inspired by Henley’s frustration with tabloid journalism, particularly after the intrusive coverage of John Belushi’s death and his own 1980 arrest. Henley, a self-proclaimed news junkie, told GQ in 1991 that he was pacing and drinking heavily during this period, channeling his anger into lyrics like “Kick ‘em when they’re up, kick ‘em when they’re down.” The song’s title and riff came together when co-writer Danny Kortchmar banged out a part on his Farfisa organ, as Kortchmar shared in a Songfacts interview. Fun fact: the track features Eagles bandmates Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit, with Walsh laying down the first guitar solo and Toto’s Steve Lukather following up. Lukather told Ultimate Classic Rock that his solo was a first take, a rarity given Henley’s perfectionist streak.

Another juicy tidbit: Dirty Laundry hit number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified Gold for selling over a million copies in the U.S. Despite its popularity, no official music video was made, but in 1985, Toronto’s Global News created a parody video featuring their “News Brothers” reporters, poking fun at their own industry. Henley often dedicated live performances to media moguls like Rupert Murdoch, as noted on Genius. The song’s relevance persists, with fans on Reddit praising its timeless critique of “infotainment.” However, controversy swirls around Henley’s 1980 arrest, which involved a 16-year-old girl overdosing at his home. A 2025 X post by user @Clayton81637523 alleged darker details, though these claims remain unverified and Henley was only fined and put on probation for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Now, let’s rewind to how Don Henley became a rock legend. Born in Gilmer, Texas, on July 22, 1947, Henley grew up in a small town, later reflecting in a 2015 AARP interview on how music was his escape from a conservative upbringing. He started playing drums in high school, joining local bands like Shiloh. In 1970, he moved to Los Angeles, where he met Glenn Frey, forming the Eagles in 1971. As the band’s drummer and co-lead vocalist, Henley sang iconic hits like Hotel California and Desperado, blending country, rock, and sharp storytelling. After the Eagles’ 1980 breakup, Henley launched his solo career with I Can’t Stand Still, proving he could hold his own with hits like Dirty Laundry. His work ethic and cynicism, shaped by years of navigating fame, shine through in his solo discography, which has sold over 10 million albums worldwide.

Stay connected with Henley’s world! Check out his official website at donhenley.com for tour dates and merch. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates, though he’s more active on stage than social media. Fans can join the vibrant Don Henley & Eagles Fan Group on Facebook to swap stories and rare vinyl finds. For deep dives, the fan-run Eagles Online Central is a treasure trove of Henley and Eagles lore. Zoo Crew out—keep spinning those records, freaks!