Joe Walsh

American rock musician (born 1947)

Birth name	Joseph Fidler Walsh
Also known as
Born	Birth date -1st March 1966 Wichita, Kansas, U.S.
Origin	Montclair, New Jersey, U.S.
Died
Genres	Rock, hard rock, blues rock
Occupation(s)	Musician, singer-songwriter, record producer
Instrument(s)	Guitar, vocals, keyboards

Joseph Fidler Walsh (born November 20, 1947) is an American rock musician, singer-songwriter, and record producer. He has been a member of three successful bands: James Gang, Barnstorm, and the Eagles. He has also experienced success as a solo artist.

Early life

Joe Walsh was born in Wichita, Kansas, and grew up in various locations due to his father's military career. He eventually settled in Montclair, New Jersey, where he attended Montclair High School. Walsh developed an interest in music at an early age and began playing the guitar.

Career

James Gang

Walsh first achieved fame as a member of the James Gang, a rock band known for hits like "Funk #49" and "Walk Away." His innovative guitar work and distinctive sound helped the band gain a significant following.

Barnstorm

After leaving the James Gang, Walsh formed Barnstorm in 1972. The band released several albums, including The Smoker You Drink, the Player You Get, which featured the hit single "Rocky Mountain Way."

Eagles

In 1975, Walsh joined the Eagles, replacing Bernie Leadon. His addition to the band brought a harder rock edge to their sound. Walsh contributed to some of the band's most successful albums, including Hotel California and The Long Run. His guitar work on tracks like "Hotel California" and "Life in the Fast Lane" is highly regarded.

Solo Career

Walsh has also had a successful solo career, releasing albums such as But Seriously, Folks... and There Goes the Neighborhood. His solo work includes the hit single "Life's Been Good," which humorously reflects on the rock star lifestyle.

Collaborations and Other Work

In addition to his work with bands and as a solo artist, Walsh has collaborated with numerous other musicians and bands. He has been a member of Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band and has worked with artists like Dan Fogelberg, Steve Winwood, and B.B. King.

Personal Life

Walsh has been married several times and has three children. He has been open about his struggles with substance abuse and has been sober since the 1990s. Walsh is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in support of veterans and environmental causes.

Legacy

Joe Walsh is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists in rock music. His work with the James Gang, Barnstorm, and the Eagles has left a lasting impact on the genre. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Eagles in 1998.

Discography

Solo Albums

• Barnstorm (1972)
• The Smoker You Drink, the Player You Get (1973)
• So What (1974)
• But Seriously, Folks... (1978)
• There Goes the Neighborhood (1981)
• You Bought It – You Name It (1983)
• The Confessor (1985)
• Got Any Gum? (1987)
• Ordinary Average Guy (1991)
• Songs for a Dying Planet (1992)
• Analog Man (2012)

See also

• List of guitarists
• List of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees