Biography
Guitar-slinger Joe Walsh went from a cult-hero career with the James Gang to longstanding mainstream success with the Eagles and as a solo artist. Born in Wichita, he moved to both Ohio and New Jersey as a child, attending high school in Montclair, N.J. and then entering Kent State University. His first serious band the Measles was formed there; this group appeared incognito on two songs from the album Beg, Borrow & Steal by bubblegum hitmakers the Ohio Express. The James Gang were formed in late 1967, a power trio with drummer Jim Fox and bassist Tom Kriss (replaced after the first album by Dale Peters). Between 1969-71 they released four albums (one live), all highly regarded in the realm of melodic hard rock. The final studio album, Thirds opened with "Walk Away," a signature tune that Walsh still performed decades later. However the album showed Walsh growing apart from the band, with the other two members pulled into the spotlight; and he did indeed walk away soon after. Following his exit in 1971 Walsh initially formed another power trio, Barnstorm, but the following year's Barnstorn was released as his official solo debut. Another signature song turned up on the next album, The Smoker You Drink, the Player You Get: "Rocky Mountain Way," a bluesy stomp with talkbox guitar solo and very '70s lyrics about getting one's head together in the country. The album's title was typical of the affable stoner image that Walsh cultivated, at least until recovery in 1993. Walsh's life hit a tough patch after the album's release, when his daughter Emma was killed in a car accident and his second marriage ended; the next album's title So What reflected his state of mind at the time. An upswing was at hand with a call from the Eagles, who opted to change direction by replacing the folk/country-oriented guitarist Bernie Leadon with Walsh. He made his debut on the multiplatinum Hotel California, though his main contribution to that album wasn't a characteristic rocker but the reflective "Pretty Maids All in a Row." He did however contribute the famous guitar lick and prominent backing vocals to "Life in the Fast Lane." During 1979-80 shows with the Eagles he jokingly announced a run for President and promoted his candidacy onstage. The Eagles era also brought Walsh's most successful solo album, 1978's But Seriously, Folks, featuring the sardonic hit "Life's Been Good." The album titles (and sometimes the songwriting) got more absurd in post-Eagles years, reaching a pinnacle of sorts with 1983's You Bought It You Name It. But the Eagles came to the rescue once again, reuniting in 1994 with Walsh in tow. He remained a regular member of the band, and they resumed regular touring in 2017 following the death of cofounder Glenn Frey. Following his sobriety Walsh also became more prolific as a solo artist and sessionman, notably making 2012's Analog Man with producer Jeff Lynne and appearing at occasional James Gang reunion shows.
