Joe Walsh

For the former congressman and former presidential candidate, see Joe Walsh (Illinois politician). For other people, see Joseph Walsh (disambiguation).

Joe Walsh
Walsh performing with the Eagles at Madison Square Garden in 2019
Background information
Birth nameJoseph Fidler
Also known as"Clown Prince of Rock"[1]
"Average Joe"
Born (1947-11-20) November 20, 1947 (age 76)
Wichita, Kansas, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Musician
  • songwriter
Instruments
  • Guitar
  • vocals
Years active1965–present
Labels
Member of
Formerly of
Websitejoewalsh.com

Joseph Fidler Walsh (born Joseph Woodward Fidler; November 20, 1947)[2][3] is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Best known as a member of the rock band Eagles, his five-decade career includes solo work and stints in other bands: James Gang, Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, and New Zealand's Herbs. He was part of the supergroup The Best and had success as a solo artist and prolific session musician, appearing on other artists' recordings. In 2011, Rolling Stone ranked him No. 54 on its list of "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time".[4]

In the mid-1960s, after attending Kent State University, Walsh played with several local Ohio bands before reaching national fame with the James Gang, whose hit "Funk #49" showcased his skills. Roger Abramson signed the James Gang to BPI in Cleveland. After leaving the James Gang in 1972, Walsh formed Barnstorm with Joe Vitale and Kenny Passarelli. Though the band produced three albums, their work was marketed as Walsh solo projects. The last Barnstorm album, So What (1974), featured significant contributions from Eagles members.

At producer Bill Szymczyk's suggestion, Walsh joined the Eagles in 1975 as guitarist and keyboardist, replacing founding member Bernie Leadon. His first album with them was Hotel California.[5] In 1998, a Guitarist magazine reader's poll named the solos by Walsh and Don Felder on "Hotel California" the best guitar solos ever.[6] Guitar World ranked it eighth in the Top 100 Guitar Solos.[7] As a member of the Eagles, Walsh was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2001. The Eagles are one of the most influential bands of the 1970s and remain one of the best-selling American bands in history.[8] Walsh's contributions to music have been praised by rock legends like Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, and Pete Townshend.[9]

Walsh has released 12 solo studio albums, six compilation albums, and two live albums. His solo hits include "Rocky Mountain Way", "Life's Been Good", "All Night Long", "A Life of Illusion", and "Ordinary Average Guy".

  1. ^ Nick Deriso (May 27, 2015). "How Joe Walsh Stumbled On 'You Bought It – You Name It'". Ultimate Classic Rock.
  2. ^ "about: Joe Walsh". JoeWalsh.com. Archived from the original on May 28, 2012. Retrieved March 5, 2016.
  3. ^ "Pacific Pilot's Rites Tuesday". The Wichita Eagle. September 4, 1949. p. 2. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
  4. ^ "100 Greatest Guitarists: Joe Walsh", Rolling Stone, archived from the original on March 8, 2013, retrieved January 15, 2013
  5. ^ Felder, Don; Holden, Wendy (2008). Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974–2001). Wiley & Sons. ISBN 978-0-470-45042-0.
  6. ^ Best Solos, rocklistmusic.co.uk, retrieved May 1, 2014
  7. ^ 100 Greatest Guitar Solos: No. 8, Hotel California, guitarworld.com, retrieved May 1, 2014
  8. ^ About Joe Walsh, JoeWalsh.com, archived from the original on April 27, 2014, retrieved May 1, 2014
  9. ^ Joe Walsh, TheUncool.com, retrieved May 1, 2014