Joe Walsh facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Joe Walsh
Walsh performing with the Eagles at Madison Square Garden in 2019
Background information
Birth name	Joseph Fidler
Also known as	"Clown Prince of Rock" "Average Joe"
Born	(1947-11-20) November 20, 1947 (age 77) Wichita, Kansas, U.S.
Genres	Hard rock blues rock pop rock progressive rock country rock
Occupation(s)	Musician songwriter
Instruments	Guitar vocals
Years active	1965–present
Labels	Asylum Epic ABC Dunhill Probe Warner Bros. Full Moon Atlantic MCA Fantasy The Orchard

Joseph Fidler Walsh (born November 20, 1947) is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He is most famous as a member of the rock band Eagles. Joe Walsh has had a long career, playing with other bands like James Gang and Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band. He also had a successful solo career.

In 2011, Rolling Stone magazine named him one of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time." His amazing guitar skills were first shown with the James Gang and their hit song "Funk #49." After leaving the James Gang in 1972, Walsh formed a band called Barnstorm. Even though it was a band, their albums were often sold as Joe Walsh's solo work.

In 1975, Walsh joined the Eagles as a guitarist and keyboard player. His first album with them was Hotel California. The guitar solos on the song "Hotel California" by Walsh and Don Felder are considered some of the best ever. As an Eagle, Walsh was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. The Eagles are one of the most important and best-selling American bands in history. Other famous rock musicians like Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton have praised Walsh's musical talent.

Walsh has released many solo albums. Some of his well-known solo songs include "Rocky Mountain Way" and "Life's Been Good".

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Joe Walsh was born in Wichita, Kansas, on November 20, 1947. His father was a flight instructor in the United States Air Force and sadly died in a plane crash when Joe was young. His mother was a talented pianist.

When Joe was five, he was adopted by his stepfather and took his last name, Walsh. His family lived in Columbus, Ohio, for some years. Later, they moved to New York City, and then to Montclair, New Jersey. Joe went to Montclair High School, where he played the oboe in the school band.

Walsh got his first guitar when he was 10 years old. After learning to play "Walk Don't Run" by the Ventures, he knew he wanted to be a guitarist. Inspired by the Beatles, he joined a local band called the Nomads. This was the start of his rock music career.

After high school, Walsh briefly attended Kent State University. He played in different bands around the Cleveland, Ohio, area, including one called the Measles. Joe Walsh was at Kent State during a difficult time and decided to leave college to focus on his music career.

Joe Walsh's Musical Journey

The Measles: Early Band Days (1965–1967)

The Measles was a band formed in 1965 by four students from Kent State University, including Joe Walsh. They recorded a few songs that appeared on another band's album. Joe Walsh sang on some of these early tracks.

James Gang: Rising to Fame (1968–1971)

Walsh (left) with the James Gang, 1970

Around Christmas 1967, the James Gang needed a new guitarist. Joe Walsh, who was a friend of the previous guitarist, tried out and joined the band. They played as a five-piece band for a short time.

In May 1968, the group played a concert in Detroit, opening for the famous band Cream. Just before the show, one member left, so the band played as a trio. They liked their new sound and decided to stay that way.

In 1968, the James Gang signed with a manager and then with ABC Records. They released their first album, Yer' Album, in 1969. Joe Walsh became the band's star. He was known for his unique guitar playing and creative riffs. He even sold one of his guitars to Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin.

The James Gang opened for the Who in Pittsburgh. Pete Townshend, the guitarist for The Who, was very impressed with Walsh's playing. He invited the James Gang to join The Who on their European tour.

The James Gang's next albums, James Gang Rides Again (1970) and Thirds (1971), had popular songs like "Funk #49" and "Walk Away". Joe Walsh eventually left the band because he wanted to explore new musical styles.

Barnstorm: Solo Success (1971–1975)

In December 1971, Joe Walsh decided to form a new band called Barnstorm in Colorado. He teamed up with drummer Joe Vitale and bassist Kenny Passarelli. Although it was a band, their albums were often released under Joe Walsh's name.

Their first album, Barnstorm, came out in 1972. Walsh experimented with different sounds, using synthesizers, acoustic guitar, and various guitar effects. The album was praised by critics.

Their next album, The Smoker You Drink, the Player You Get, released in 1973, was a big success. It reached No. 6 on the US Billboard chart. The song "Rocky Mountain Way" became a hit. This album showed a mix of blues, jazz, folk, and pop styles. Barnstorm broke up in 1974, and Walsh continued as a solo artist.

Walsh playing slide guitar with a Gibson Les Paul Special, 1975

Eagles: A New Chapter (1975–1980)

In 1975, Joe Walsh was asked to join the Eagles. Some band members were worried he might be too "wild" for their style.

On December 8, 1976, the Eagles released Hotel California, their fifth studio album and the first with Walsh. The album took a long time to make. The title song, "Hotel California", became one of the Eagles' most famous songs. It features amazing guitar solos by Don Felder and Walsh.

Another hit from the album was "Life in the Fast Lane", which was based on a guitar riff by Walsh. This song helped establish Walsh's important role in the band.

The Eagles released their next album, The Long Run, in 1979. It was a huge commercial success, selling millions of copies. It included hit songs like "Heartache Tonight" and "I Can't Tell You Why". Walsh's song "In the City" also became very popular. The band broke up in 1980.

Solo Career: Continuing the Music (1973–2012)

Walsh performing live at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida, September 2006

Joe Walsh has released twelve solo studio albums.

In December 1974, Walsh released his solo album So What. This album included more personal songs, like "Song for Emma," a tribute to his daughter who had passed away. Members of the Eagles sang backing vocals on some tracks.

In 1978, Walsh released But Seriously, Folks..., which was very well received. It featured his biggest solo hit, "Life's Been Good", a funny song about being a rock star. Walsh also contributed "In the City" to The Warriors movie soundtrack.

After the Eagles broke up in 1980, Walsh continued to release solo albums. His album There Goes the Neighborhood (1981) included the popular song "A Life of Illusion". This song was originally recorded in 1973 but finished later.

In 1983, Walsh released You Bought It – You Name It. This album included "Space Age Whiz Kids", a song about the video arcade craze of the 1980s.

His album The Confessor (1985) involved his friend Stevie Nicks. In 1987, he released Got Any Gum?.

In 1991, Walsh released Ordinary Average Guy, his ninth solo album. It featured Ringo Starr and Joe Vitale from his former band Barnstorm. His next album, Songs for a Dying Planet, came out in 1992. The song "Vote for Me" from this album was a minor hit.

Walsh's song "One Day at a Time" was released in 2012 on his album Analog Man.

Eagles Reunions with Joe Walsh

Walsh performing with the Eagles, 2008

In 1993, after many years apart, the Eagles reunited. The band members included Walsh, Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Don Felder, and Timothy B. Schmit.

Their first live performance in April 1994 led to a live album called Hell Freezes Over. This album included four new studio songs and sold millions of copies. The tour was very successful.

In 1998, the Eagles, including Walsh, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. All seven Eagles members played together for the ceremony. Many more reunion tours followed.

In 2007, the Eagles released "How Long". Later that year, they released Long Road Out of Eden, their first album of new songs since 1979. This album was a huge success, reaching number 1 in many countries. The Eagles, with Walsh, began a world tour in 2008 to support the album.

Other Bands and Projects

In the 1980s, Walsh performed with the Party Boys in Australia. He also toured with Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band in 1989 and 1992, playing his own songs along with Starr's and others.

In 1989, Walsh briefly joined the New Zealand reggae band Herbs. He sang lead on two songs on their album Homegrown.

In late 1990, Walsh was part of a band called the Best, which included other famous musicians like Keith Emerson and John Entwistle. They performed shows in Hawaii and Japan.

In 1993, Walsh teamed up with Glenn Frey for a "Party of Two" tour.

In 1996, the James Gang reunited for President Bill Clinton. The classic lineup of Walsh, Peters, and Fox performed together.

In 1998, ABC asked Walsh to rewrite the lyrics to "Rocky Mountain Way" for the football quarterback John Elway. The new song was called "Rocky Mountain Elway," and Walsh appeared in a video shown on Monday Night Football.

2000s and 2010s: Continued Performances

In June 2004, Walsh performed at Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival. He also played at the Strat Pack concert in London in 2004, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Fender Stratocaster guitar. In 2006, Walsh reunited with the James Gang for new recordings and a tour.

Kent State University gave Walsh an honorary degree in music in 2001. In 2012, the Berklee College of Music also gave Walsh and other Eagles members an honorary doctorate for their achievements in music.

James Gang at 2022 VetsAid concert

On September 3, 2022, Walsh performed with the reunited James Gang at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert at Wembley Stadium in London. Dave Grohl played drums with them for their final song. Walsh sang and played guitar for three songs.

Walsh also appeared with the James Gang at the Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert in California on September 27, 2022. Their set included "Walk Away" and "Funk #49" with Dave Grohl.

At the 2022 VetsAid benefit, Joe Walsh performed with the James Gang and then returned for a final set with other musicians. Dave Grohl played guitar on "Life's Been Good" and drums on "Rocky Mountain Way".

Notable Appearances and Collaborations

Walsh performing with the Eagles in 2009

In 1974, Joe Walsh produced Dan Fogelberg's album Souvenirs and played various instruments on it. He also helped get Graham Nash to sing on a song.

Walsh played the slide guitar solo on Michael Stanley's song "Rosewood Bitters" in 1973. He later used part of that solo in the Eagles' hit "Life in the Fast Lane."

In 1981, Walsh worked with his old bandmate Joe Vitale on John Entwistle's solo album Too Late the Hero.

Walsh was a background musician on Don Henley's 1982 hit "Dirty Laundry". He has also contributed to albums by Ringo Starr, America, REO Speedwagon, and Steve Winwood.

Walsh was a frequent guest DJ on Los Angeles radio station KLOS in the mid-1980s.

On screen, Walsh has appeared in movies like The Blues Brothers and TV shows like The Drew Carey Show and The Conners.

In 2012, Walsh performed with Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, and Dave Grohl at the Grammy Awards. He also appeared on the show Live from Daryl's House with Daryl Hall.

In 2014, Walsh was featured in a CBS special honoring the Beatles. He also made a guest appearance on Foo Fighters' album Sonic Highways. In 2016, Walsh performed "Rocky Mountain Way" on NBC's The Voice.

Musical Influences

Joe Walsh has been influenced by many rock and pop artists and guitarists. These include Les Paul, Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King, Eric Clapton, the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, Jimmy Page, and Pete Townshend.

In turn, Walsh has influenced many other musicians. Duane Allman of the Allman Brothers Band taught Walsh how to play the slide guitar.

Public Service and Community Work

Joe Walsh is very involved in charity work. He has performed in many concerts to raise money for good causes. He has also personally helped charities, including homes for women in Wichita, Kansas. In 2008, Walsh funded the first music scholarship at Kent State University.

Walsh cares deeply about protecting the environment, especially on Santa Cruz Island. He is the President of the Santa Cruz Island Foundation and has worked to preserve the island's parks for many years.

Walsh has sometimes joked about running for political office. In 1980, he announced a mock presidential campaign, promising to make "Life's Been Good" the national anthem. He said he wanted to make people more aware of elections. In 1992, he ran for vice president with Rev. Goat Carson.

In 2012, Walsh said he was thinking about running for Congress seriously. He wanted to help fix problems in government.

In 2017, Walsh started VetsAid, a series of concerts to raise money for veterans. He invited other musicians like the Zac Brown Band and Keith Urban to join him.

Personal Life

Joe Walsh has been married five times. He married Marjorie Bach in 2008, who is the sister of Barbara Bach (who is married to Ringo Starr).

Walsh's daughter Lucy Walsh is also a musician.

His eldest daughter, Emma Kristen, was born in 1971 and sadly passed away in 1974. This inspired the song "Song for Emma" on his album So What. In her memory, he placed a fountain and a plaque in a park where she used to play in Boulder, Colorado. The album name So What came from how he felt after her death, that nothing else seemed important.

Amateur Radio Hobby

Joe Walsh has a lifelong interest in amateur radio, also known as "ham radio." He has a special license for it and his callsign is WB6ACU. In 2006, he donated a signed guitar to the ARRL for a charity auction. He also helps with their "Big Project," which brings amateur radio into schools. Walsh has even included Morse Code messages in his albums.

Instruments and Gear

Jimmy Page's famous 1959 Gibson Les Paul guitar, known as his "Number 1," originally belonged to Joe Walsh. Walsh sold it to Page in 1969.

In 1970, Walsh gave a 1959 Gretsch 6120 guitar to Pete Townshend of the Who. Townshend used this guitar on albums like Who's Next.

Other Guitars Joe Walsh Has Used

Walsh's Fender Telecaster, on display in the Hard Rock Cafe, Sydney, Australia, 2012

• Carvin DC4, CT6, CT4, CS4, and other models
• Duesenberg Starplayer Alliance (a guitar he helped design)
• PRS McCarty 594 Singlecut Joe Walsh (his signature model)

Amplifiers

• Marshall 50 watt Plexi

Discography

Joe Vitale, Walsh and Ted Jensen at the Capitol Theatre, 2015

Solo Albums

• The Smoker You Drink, the Player You Get (1973)
• So What (1974)
• You Can't Argue with a Sick Mind (1976)
• 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)

James Gang Albums

• Yer' Album (1969)
• James Gang Rides Again (1970)
• Thirds (1971)

Barnstorm Album

• Barnstorm (1972)

Eagles Albums

• Hotel California (1976)
• The Long Run (1979)
• Long Road out of Eden (2007)

Eagles Songs: Lead Vocals and Writing

Songs where Joe Walsh sang lead vocals:

Original songs written or co-written by Joe Walsh for the Eagles:

Film and Television Appearances

Movies

• 1971: Zachariah: Himself with the James Gang.
• 1980: The Blues Brothers: A prisoner dancing on a table.
• 1990: The Best - DVD: Himself.

Television Shows

• Mad TV, as himself, in Episode 1.2 (1995)
• Promised Land, as R.J., "The Prodigy" (1996)
• Duckman, voicing himself, "They Craved Duckman's Brain!" (1996) and "Love! Anger! Kvetching!" (1997)
• The Drew Carey Show, 7 episodes as Ed (1997-2001)
• Drew Carey's Improv All-Stars, guest (2001)
• Rock the Cradle (2008), a reality show, the father of contestant Lucy Walsh
• Wicked City, as a director, "Running With the Devil" (2015)
• Criminal Minds, as himself, "The Sandman" (2016)
• Better Things, as himself "Hair of the Dog" (2016)
• The Conners, as Jesse (2022)

Awards and Recognition

As a member of the Eagles, Joe Walsh has won five Grammy Awards:

• (1977) Record of the Year: "Hotel California" (single)
• (1977) Best Arrangement for Voices: "New Kid in Town"
• (1979) Best Rock Vocal performance by a Duo or Group: "Heartache Tonight"
• (2008) Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals: "How Long"
• (2009) Best Pop Instrumental Performance: "I Dreamed There Was No War"
• Walsh was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
• Walsh was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2001.

Images for kids

• 

  Walsh performing with the Eagles in 2009

See also

In Spanish: Joe Walsh para niños

• List of artists who reached number one on the U.S. Mainstream Rock chart