About
Donald (Don) William Felder is an American rock musician, singer, and songwriter, best known for his work as a lead guitarist of the Eagles from 1974 until 2001. Felder played an important role in helping the Eagles transition from the countrified sounds of the Leadon-Meisner years toward the more rock-oriented era with Joe Walsh.
Don Felder co-wrote the music for the Eagles’ biggest hit, the multi Grammy award winning song “Hotel California.” With 14 Grammy nominations and 4 wins, his signature guitar work has become legendary on songs like “Hotel California,” “Life in The Fast Lane,” “One Of These Nights,” “New Kid In Town,” and the list goes on.
Don and the Eagles hold the honor of having the first Platinum album certified by the RIAA. That album, the Eagles’ Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975, has reached over 26 million copies, becoming the best-selling album of the 20th century.
In the years the band was apart, Don wrote music for films and television including songs in Sluggers Wife by Neil Simon, Fast Times At Ridgemont High, Heavy Metal, Secret Admirer, Nice Dreams, and Galaxy High. Having mastered instruments like keyboards, mandolin, pedal steel, and banjo, Don has performed and recorded with musicians that span the musical spectrum, from The Bee Gees, Bob Seger, Joe Walsh, Michael Jackson, Alice Cooper, Kenny Loggins, David Crosby & Graham Nash, David Foster, Boz Scaggs, Tom Petty, Warren Zevon, Stephen Stills, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Nicks, Don Henley, Vince Gill, and Stevie Wonder to Elton John, Paul Simon, Diana Ross and Barbra Streisand. He also hosted a television show for children called FTV, and continues his work with kids through various charities around the world.
A member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since 1998, Don is also a New York Times best-selling author, having published a book on his life with the Eagles called “Heaven and Hell.”
