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 moved to Montclair, New Jersey and attended Montclair High School. 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) 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
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.