The “Underappreciated” Musician and Legendary Guitar Player Don Henley Believes Had “One of the Greatest Voices in Music”

Don Henley has consistently expressed his affection for country music over the years. Moreover, he’s worn his country inspirations on his sleeve in his songwriting. The Eagles wouldn’t be what they are if it weren’t for this genre, and Henley has made sure to pay his dues.

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He’s talked about many artists over the years, but there’s one country artist that Henley finds to be criminally underrated. Find out which musician that is below.

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The Artist Don Henley Thinks is the Most Underrated Musician

Although Henley once expressed that he dislikes the Eagles’ “Country-Rock” label (only because it diminishes the other genres they are also inspired by), no one can deny that country influences mark the band’s sound.

Many country artists can be said to have influenced the Eagles, but Henley has made a point to shout out one in particular: Glen Campbell. He once called the “Rhinestone Cowboy” an “underappreciated” musician, celebrating his distinctive vocals.

“This gentleman [Campbell] I had the pleasure of meeting only once,” Henley once said. “We had a wonderful evening together talking about music and the recording industry many, many years ago. He has one of the greatest voices in music. He is also a very underappreciated musician. One of the best guitar players ever to emerge on the American music scene.”

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It’s quite the gushing compliment. Henley isn’t an artist who shies away from giving credit where it is due, and Campbell is certainly due his fair share of praise for broadening country’s appeal.

Henley’s Other Country Influences

Campbell isn’t the only country artist Henley has gushed about over the years. Elsewhere, he has praised Willie Nelson, Buck Owens, and Jamey Johnson. With the latter, more contemporary artist in mind, it’s clear Henley’s love of country has grown with him.

And we’d be remiss not to mention the country artist Henley has labeled his “hero”, Merle Haggard. “I would still listen to that music in California,” Henley once said. “I mean, Merle Haggard, may he rest in peace, has always been one of my musical heroes.”

Knowing Henley has been influenced by all of these artists makes listening to both the Eagles and his solo material a richer experience.

(Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)