Back the First Comprehensive Don Henley Biography

Don Henley turns 80 in 2027, and there's still no comprehensive biography of his life. Help me change that.

Contribute any amount, as many times as you'd like. Reward tiers are suggestive only. Every contribution helps bring this book to life.

Support the book. Get exclusive rewards.

Choose your tier below. Each one unlocks something special.

Reward Tiers*

• $10+: Name in "Acknowledgments"

  • Back this project and your name appears in the "Acknowledgments" section of the book. Names listed with contributor consent only.

• $50+: Personalized Video Thank You

  • A 2-3 minute video from me, discussing a specific aspect of Henley's music or career. All factual claims sourced and footnoted on the project page where possible.

• $150+: Roundtable (Guest: music journalist)

  • A 60-minute, author-led Zoom where I discuss archival discoveries, open questions, and the sourcing process. A veteran music journalist who has covered Henley and the Eagles may join as a guest, subject to written confirmation.

• $300+: Design Patron

  • Fund the cover design and interior layout. You'll review three cover concepts and submit your preferred choice. Final cover and all intellectual property rights remain with the author and designer. Participation does not transfer any rights in the design.

• $500+: Sponsor a Research Stop

  • Your pledge funds one of my key research trips to uncover untold stories from Henley's roots and rise. Independent research is what makes this biography authentic—every mile, every interview, every local archive visit adds texture to the story. Your support funds that discovery.

Contributions support ongoing research and production expenses for an unauthorized biography project. This is not a pre-order, investment, or charitable donation.

Contributions are non-refundable. Funds are not held in escrow or segregated in a separate account. Receipts or contribution confirmations are available upon request. Publication timing and final scope may evolve based on sourcing, licensing, and legal review.

*Reward tiers are cumulative. For example, a $150 pledge includes all rewards from lower tiers.

Choose your contribution method:

Accepting contributions January 1 - December 31, 2026

This is an unauthorized biography. This project is independently produced and is not endorsed, sponsored, or approved by Don Henley or the Eagles. All contributions support research and production; publication timing and final content are subject to sourcing, licensing, and legal review. Contributors receive no rights in the manuscript, cover design, or intellectual property.

Estimated Budget Breakdown

Goal: $20,000

Independent biographies carry unique financial risks. Here's where your support goes:

Image Licensing: $2,000-$5,000

A single iconic photo can cost $500–$1,500. The book needs a cover image plus 10-15 interior photos. Rights holders may refuse or demand higher fees.

Research & Travel: $2,000-$4,000

Multiple trips to Texas, California, and beyond. Tracking down early bandmates and childhood friends. Archival materials across multiple locations. Could easily double if sources are hard to reach.

Professional Editing: $7,000-$10,000

Developmental editing for structure and narrative. Copyediting for clarity and flow. Fact-checking for legal protection. Proofreading and indexing.

Legal Review:$5,000-$8,000

Unauthorized biographies require careful vetting and protection against potential defamation claims. All potentially sensitive allegations will undergo legal review prior to publication.

This isn't padding; it's the baseline for a book that can stand alongside traditionally published biographies. Traditional publishers absorb these risks. Going independent means betting on the work, and asking you to bet on it too.

THANK YOU!

Patrons listed with permission

• Matt R.

• Lynnette J.

• Kayla C.

• Brian J.

• Steve & Michele S.

• Sarah M.