No longer in the shadow of the Eagles, Don Henley wants to stand in front of the band this time.

During the ‘70s, an American music myth began to take shape. The Los Angeles-based Eagles dominated the country’s radio airwaves with hip/pop/sentimental standards as "desperado," "Best of My Love," and "Lyin’ Eyes." But to understand why Don Henley, drummer and co-founder of the legendary band could self-design what has been referred to by the music industry as "The California Sound," is to first understand what images were a prime source of inspiration to him.

Those romantic California sunsets, the disappointed love affairs, and the pursuit of eternal youth are some of the themes Henley breathed life into through the power of popular music. The phenomenal success of the Eagles had transformed a starving young Texas musician into a wealthy and respected man by the age of 39. Such landmark albums like One of These Nights, On The Border, and Hotel California have moderately altered the course of rock and roll long past their slave’s life. Since the break-up of the "super group" in 1980, its former members have continued to carry on the legacy with their own individual solo ventures. The final parting occurred after the release of the Eagles last recorded effort, The Long Run.

The widely received album became another milestone for the then extinct group, and Henley himself began to contemplate his future as a solo artist. Many of the great Eagles classics were co-written by Henley and Glenn Frey, and the thought of rechanneling half the magic of their writing partnership into a solo project proved to be a much greater task than the musician had anticipated.

"We were together for almost ten years, and that is a long time in this business," reflects Henley, 37, on his time with the Eagles.

"We broke up for all the normal reasons—the jealousy, the envy, and people going in different directions. It was a struggle from the first week to keep that band together. Glenn and I really had our hands full. There was a certain security in the band, even with the conflict. Glenn and I were partners. We spent a lot of time just keeping everybody in the band happy." These days, he’s primarily concerned with maintaining his own prosperity and personal contentment.

With his 1982 debut solo album I Can’t Stand Still and its popular single "Dirty Laundry," Henley sold over 600,000 pieces of shiny black vinyl. It is evident that Don Henley will continue to be an important force to reckon with for some time. Since the release of his highly acclaimed second album, Building the Perfect Beast the former Eagle is gaining a wider recognition and, through video exposure, new disciples. A new songwriting collaboration with Danny Kortchmar replaces Glenn Frey’s previous role. Henley finds it to be a flourishing relationship.

"With Danny our roles are pretty much defined," he explains with a fixed stare shining from his pale blue eyes. "Glenn and I used to agonize over this word and that word. Kootch and I tend to often write our songs on synthesizers more than on piano. I do most of my own writing in the car, because there are no phones around and the scenery changes constantly." Building the Perfect Beast has already spawned three successful hit singles, "The Boys of Summer," "Sunset Grill," a duet with Patty Smyth of Scandal, and the latest "All She Wants to Do is Dance."

While talk of a tour is being organized, the talented vocalist/songwriter will not be securely hidden behind the drum set this time. "I’d rather sing. I’m going to be the front guy for a while," he enthuses. "I’ll play some percussion too. I don’t think I can lead a band from the back of the stage. I’ll stand out front. I’ll be all right." Maintaining a positive attitude and on individual musical style is enough to expect from Don Henley.