Profile of Joe Walsh on Famous Like Me

This article is about the musician. For the Irish politician, see Joe Walsh (Irish politician).

Joe Walsh (born November 20, 1947) is an American guitarist and rock musician.

A native of Wichita, Kansas, Walsh spent time in various bands while attending Kent State University, but came to widespread attention in 1969 after replacing Glen Schwartz as lead guitarist for The James Gang, an American power trio. Walsh was the standout of the band, noted for his innovative rhythm playing and creative guitar riffs. The James Gang had several minor hits and became an early Album Oriented Rock staple before Walsh left the group in 1971 for a career as a solo artist.

Walsh's solo debut, Barnstorm (1972) and its followup, The Smoker You Drink, The Player You Get (1973) cemented Walsh's reputation as an inventive rocker whose dry sense of humor and reputation as a party animal often made their way into his songs. Several cuts from these albums, notably "Rocky Mountain Way", received heavy airplay and continue to be classic rock favorites.

After releasing another studio album and a live set, Walsh was invited to join The Eagles in 1976, replacing departing guitarist Bernie Leadon. Walsh brought a harder-edged sound to the Eagles and contributed heavily to the feel of their hugely successful album Hotel California (e.g. Life in the Fast Lane).

As the Eagles sputtered to an end a couple of years later, Walsh re-ignited his solo career with the well-received discs But Seriously Folks (1978) (which featured his hit comic depiction of rock stardom, Life's Been Good) and There Goes the Neighborhood (1981). Walsh would continue to record and release albums throughout the 1980s but musical trends had passed him by and he would maintain a very low profile until the late-1990s Eagles reunion and tour. Walsh sang the U.S. National Anthem at the beginning of Game 4 of the 1995 World Series.

A versatile guitarist, Walsh's abilities on acoustic, electric, and slide guitar also have made him well-regarded as a featured player or guest soloist; Walsh has recorded and performed with many other artists including Dan Fogelberg, Steve Winwood, and on the first two Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band tours.

Joe Walsh had a very brief cameo in the movie The Blues Brothers, and television's The Drew Carey Show.

Joe Walsh (WB6ACU) is an active amateur radio operator.

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