Don Felder is a famous American rock musician, singer, and songwriter. He is best known as the lead guitarist of the legendary band The Eagles. His full name is Donald William Felder. He was born on September 21, 1947. As of 2026, his age is 79 years old. He was born in Gainesville, Florida, USA.
Felder joined the Eagles in 1974 and stayed with them until 2001. He co-wrote the iconic song “Hotel California”. He also composed music for “Victim of Love” and “Those Shoes”. His solo albums include “Airborne,” “Road to Forever,” and “American Rock ‘n’ Roll.” He records under his own label and has also worked with Columbia Records.
He is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee (class of 1998). His estimated net worth is $60 million as of 2026. He earns from music royalties, tours, and book sales. This article shares his full bio, career, and legacy.
Don Felder Wiki/Bio TABLE
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Donald William Felder |
| Stage Name | Don Felder |
| Age (2026) | 79 years |
| Birth Date | September 21, 1947 |
| Birthplace | Gainesville, Florida, USA |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight | 176 lb (80 kg) |
| Profession | Musician, Songwriter, Singer, Record Producer |
| Career Start | 1966 (with the Maundy Quintet) |
| Viral Songs / Famous Works | “Hotel California,” “Victim of Love,” “Those Shoes,” “Heavy Metal (Takin’ a Ride)” |
| Albums / Projects | Airborne (1983), Road to Forever (2012), American Rock ‘n’ Roll (2019) |
| Record Label | Columbia Records, solo label |
| Family | Parents: Charles Nolan Felder and Doris Rebecca Felder |
| Marital Status | Divorced from Susan Pickersgill (1971–2000); engaged to Diane McInerney |
| Children | 4: Jesse N. Felder, Rebecca Felder, Cody William Felder, Leah Jenner |
| Achievements | Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1998), Musicians Hall of Fame (2016) |
| Net Worth | $60 million |
| Income Sources | Music royalties, touring, solo albums, book sales, merchandise |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Body Type / Build | Average |
| Shoe Size | Not publicly listed |
| Chest Size | Not publicly listed |
| Waist Size | Not publicly listed |
| Biceps Size | Not publicly listed |
| Skin Tone | Fair |
Don Felder Real Name
Don Felder’s full birth name is Donald William Felder. He uses the shortened Don Felder professionally. Donald is a classic Scottish name. William was his grandfather’s name. He is proud of his family heritage.
He has never used a stage name. His real name appears on all his albums. He signed contracts as Donald William Felder. His autobiography uses his full name. Fans know him simply as Don.
His name is associated with rock greatness. It appears alongside Eagles legends. His real name adds a personal touch. He is known by it worldwide. His identity is authentic and strong.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Real Name | Donald William Felder |
| First Name | Donald |
| Middle Name | William |
| Surname | Felder |
| Name Origin | Scottish / German |
Don Felder Early Life and Education
Don Felder was born in Gainesville, Florida. He grew up in a Southern Baptist family. His family did not have much money. He first loved music after watching Elvis Presley on TV. That moment changed his life forever.
He got his first guitar at age 10. He traded cherry bombs for it at a store. He was self-taught and learned by ear. He played tape recordings at half-speed to learn. He worked at a music school for lessons.
He attended Gainesville High School. He formed his first band at age 13. That band included Stephen Stills. He also gave guitar lessons to a young Tom Petty. His early life was full of music.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Gainesville, Florida |
| Raised In | Gainesville, Florida |
| First Guitar | Age 10 |
| High School | Gainesville High School |
| Early Band | The Continentals (with Stephen Stills) |
Don Felder Parents and Siblings
Don Felder’s father was Charles Nolan Felder. His mother was Doris Rebecca Felder. He was raised in a Southern Baptist household. His family struggled financially. They could not afford music lessons.
Not much is known about his siblings. He rarely discusses them publicly. His parents supported his music passion. They let him play guitar at home. His father worked hard to provide stability.
Felder honors his parents in his autobiography. He credits them for his work ethic. His family background shaped his character. He remains close to his Florida roots. His parents are no longer alive.
| Family Member | Relationship | Occupation / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Charles Nolan Felder | Father | Not publicly known |
| Doris Rebecca Felder | Mother | Homemaker |
| Siblings | Not publicly known | Not publicly known |
Don Felder Wife or Girlfriend
Don Felder married Susan Pickersgill on April 23, 1971. They had four children together. The couple divorced in 2000 after 29 years. The split was private and amicable.
He later got engaged to Diane McInerney. She is an American journalist and news anchor. She works for Inside Edition. They planned to marry in 2020. Their relationship is strong and supportive.
Felder keeps his personal life private. He rarely posts about his relationships. He focuses on music and family. His children are his greatest joy. He is happy with his current partner.
| Relationship Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Spouse Name | Susan Pickersgill (divorced) |
| Marriage Date | April 23, 1971 |
| Divorce Date | 2000 |
| Current Partner | Diane McInerney (engaged) |
| Children | 4 |
Don Felder Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
In 2026, Don Felder is 79 years old. He was born on September 21, 1947. His height is 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm). His weight is 176 lb (80 kg). He has an average body type.
He has blue eyes and dark brown hair. His hair is now grey with age. He has a fair skin tone. He looks healthy for his age. He maintains a musician’s lifestyle.
He does not focus on fitness much. His passion is music, not gym. He dresses in classic rock style. He often wears jeans and leather jackets. His look is timeless and cool.
| Physical Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Age (2026) | 79 years |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight | 176 lb (80 kg) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown / Grey |
| Body Type | Average |
| Skin Tone | Fair |
Don Felder Before Fame
Before fame, Don Felder was a struggling musician. He played in local Florida bands. His first band was The Continentals. It included Stephen Stills. He later joined The Maundy Quintet.
He moved to New York City with the band Flow. They released a self-titled album in 1970. The album was on CTI Records. He then moved to Boston for studio work. He worked hard to improve his guitar skills.
In 1973, he moved to Los Angeles. He toured with David Blue. He also played with Crosby & Nash. He was a session player for many artists. His big break came in 1974.
| Before Fame Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| First Band | The Continentals (age 13) |
| Early Single | Maundy Quintet (1967) |
| First Album | Flow (1970) |
| Move to LA | 1973 |
| Session Work | David Blue, Crosby & Nash |
Don Felder Career
Don Felder joined the Eagles in January 1974. He contributed slide guitar to “Good Day in Hell”. He played solos on “Already Gone”. His first album with them was “On the Border”. He became their lead guitarist.
He co-wrote the music for “Hotel California”. That song became a global hit. He also co-wrote “Victim of Love” and “Those Shoes”. He recorded five studio albums with the Eagles. The band broke up in 1980.
He released his first solo album “Airborne” in 1983. The Eagles reunited in 1994 for “Hell Freezes Over”. Felder was fired in 2001. He sued the band for wrongful termination. He published his autobiography “Heaven and Hell” in 2008. He continues to release solo music.
| Career Milestone | Year/Details |
|---|---|
| Joined Eagles | January 1974 |
| First Eagles Album | On the Border (1974) |
| Co-wrote “Hotel California” | 1976 |
| Eagles Breakup | 1980 |
| First Solo Album | Airborne (1983) |
| Eagles Reunion | 1994 (Hell Freezes Over) |
| Fired from Eagles | 2001 |
| Autobiography Published | 2008 |
| Solo Album | American Rock ‘n’ Roll (2019) |
Don Felder Social Media Presence
Don Felder is active on Instagram and Facebook. His Instagram handle is @donfeldermusic. He posts about tours and new music. He shares photos with fans and family. He has a modest following.
He is also on Twitter (X) . He uses it to promote concerts. He interacts with fans occasionally. His posts are professional and positive. He does not engage in drama.
His official website is donfelder.com. Fans can buy merchandise there. He also sells signed guitars. His social media is active and engaging. He values his fan connection.
| Platform | Handle | Followers (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| @donfeldermusic | Not publicly listed | |
| Don Felder | Not publicly listed | |
| Twitter (X) | @donfeldermusic | Not publicly listed |
| Website | donfelder.com | N/A |
Don Felder Net Worth
As of 2026, Don Felder’s net worth is $60 million. He earned most from the Eagles and solo work. His Eagles royalties are substantial. “Hotel California” alone earns millions yearly. He also earns from touring.
His solo albums add to his wealth. He sells merchandise at concerts. He also earns from book sales. His autobiography was a bestseller. He owns the rights to his music catalog.
He invested in real estate wisely. He owns properties in California and Florida. He drives luxury cars. He lives a comfortable life. His net worth is stable and growing.
| Income Source | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| Eagles Royalties | Significant |
| Solo Music | Moderate |
| Touring | Moderate |
| Book Sales | Moderate |
| Total Net Worth | $60 million |
Don Felder Legacy and Impact
Don Felder left a huge mark on rock music. He was the lead guitarist of the Eagles. His signature sound shaped the 1970s. He co-wrote “Hotel California,” one of the greatest songs ever. That song is timeless and iconic.
He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. He was also inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2016. His guitar work inspired millions of players. His slide guitar style is legendary. He is respected by peers and fans.
His autobiography “Heaven and Hell” is a classic. It is the first Eagles tell-all book. It gave fans an inside look. His legacy is secure and lasting. He is a true rock icon.
| Legacy Metric | Stat |
|---|---|
| Years with Eagles | 27 years (1974–2001) |
| Eagles Studio Albums | 5 |
| Rock and Roll Hall of Fame | 1998 |
| Musicians Hall of Fame | 2016 |
| Iconic Song | “Hotel California” |
Don Felder Nationality and Religion
Don Felder holds American nationality. He was born in Florida, USA. He is proud of his American identity. He has German ancestry from his father’s side. His roots are European.
He was raised in a Southern Baptist family. He rarely discusses religion now. He focuses on music and family. He respects all faiths and beliefs. His personal faith is private.
He celebrates American holidays. He enjoys Christmas with his family. He is a secular person in public. His identity is musical first. His values are universal and kind.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | German ancestry |
| Religion | Raised Southern Baptist |
| Current Beliefs | Private |
Don Felder Future Plans and Goals
Don Felder continues to tour and record. He released “American Rock ‘n’ Roll” in 2019. He may release new music soon. He loves performing live for fans. He shows no signs of retirement.
He may write another book. His autobiography was very successful. He could write about his solo career. He also wants to mentor young musicians. He is a guitar legend.
He enjoys family time with his children. He supports their careers. He also spends time with his fiancée. His future is bright and active. He will always be a rock star.
| Future Plan | Details |
|---|---|
| New Music | Possible new album |
| Touring | Continues live performances |
| Writing | Possible second book |
| Mentoring | Helping young musicians |
| Family | Spending time with loved ones |
Don Felder Awards and Achievements
Don Felder has won many awards. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. He was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2016. He won a Grammy with the Eagles for “Hotel California.”
He received a Lifetime Achievement Award. He has platinum albums with the Eagles. His solo work is also critically acclaimed. He is a Steinway Artist? No, that is for pianists. His awards are well-deserved.
His greatest achievement is “Hotel California.” It is one of Rolling Stone’s top songs. His guitar work is legendary. He is respected by all musicians. His achievements are countless.
| Award / Achievement | Year / Count |
|---|---|
| Rock and Roll Hall of Fame | 1998 |
| Musicians Hall of Fame | 2016 |
| Grammy Award (with Eagles) | Multiple |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | 2016 |
| Platinum Albums | Multiple |
Don Felder Business Ventures
Don Felder’s main business is music. He owns the rights to his solo catalog. He earns from royalties and streaming. He also sells merchandise at shows. His brand is strong and recognizable.
He has invested in real estate. He owns homes in California and Florida. He also collects vintage guitars. Those are valuable investments. He may have stock investments too.
He wrote a bestselling book. That was a business success. He also does endorsements occasionally. He is not a corporate figure. His business is his art.
| Business | Role / Ownership |
|---|---|
| Music Catalog | Owner |
| Real Estate | Property owner |
| Merchandise | Licensing deals |
| Book Royalties | Author |
Don Felder Fashion and Brand
Don Felder’s fashion is classic rock. He wears jeans, leather jackets, and boots. He often wears sunglasses on stage. His look is timeless and cool. He is not a trendsetter.
His brand is musical excellence. He is known for his guitar skills. His name is associated with “Hotel California.” He is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer. His brand is authentic and respected.
He lets his music speak for itself. He is not a fashion icon. But his style is iconic in rock. He is a true rock musician. His image is consistent and strong.
| Fashion Item | Signature |
|---|---|
| Leather Jackets | Classic rock |
| Jeans | Casual |
| Sunglasses | Stage look |
| Boots | Cowboy style |
Don Felder Public Image
Don Felder is seen as a guitar legend. He is respected for his talent. He has a clean public image. He has no major scandals. He is known for his professionalism.
Some fans see him as a victim of the Eagles. He was fired in 2001. He sued the band and won. His autobiography was very honest. He is seen as brave for speaking out.
He is also seen as a family man. He has four children. He is engaged to Diane McInerney. He is humble and grounded. His public image is positive overall.
| Public Perception | Rating (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Musical Talent | 10 |
| Professionalism | 9 |
| Family Man | 8 |
| Controversy Level | 3 |
| Fan Respect | 9 |
Don Felder Category Section
Don Felder is a rock musician, guitarist, and songwriter. According to the category rule, he falls under Singer / Music Artist. Therefore, we present his songs and discography in bullet points.
Don Felder Songs / Discography
Solo Albums:
- Airborne (1983)
- Road to Forever (2012)
- American Rock ‘n’ Roll (2019)
Solo Songs (Selected):
- “Bad Girls”
- “Winners”
- “Haywire”
- “Who Tonight”
- “Never Surrender” (with Kenny Loggins)
- “Asphalt Jungle”
- “Night Owl”
- “Still Alive”
- “Fall from the Grace of Love”
- “Girls in Black”
- “Wash Away”
- “I Believe in You”
- “You Don’t Have Me”
- “Money”
- “Someday”
- “Heal Me”
- “Over You”
- “Road to Forever”
- “Life’s Lullaby”
- “Give My Life”
- “American Rock ‘N’ Roll” (with Slash, Mick Fleetwood, Chad Smith)
- “Charmed” (with Alex Lifeson)
- “Falling in Love”
- “Hearts on Fire” (with David Paich)
- “Limelight” (with Orianthi)
Eagles Songs (Co-wrote or contributed):
- “Hotel California” (co-wrote music)
- “Victim of Love” (co-wrote)
- “Those Shoes” (co-wrote)
- “Already Gone” (guitar solo)
- “Good Day in Hell” (slide guitar)
- “One of These Nights”
- “Lyin’ Eyes”
- “Take It to the Limit”
- “New Kid in Town”
- “Life in the Fast Lane”
- “The Long Run”
- “I Can’t Tell You Why”
- “Heartache Tonight”
- “Seven Bridges Road” (live)
Don Felder Movies / TV Shows
- The Great Pretender (1974) – Appearance
- FTV (1985–1986) – Host, a musical comedy show parodying MTV
- Heavy Metal (1981) – Contributed song “Heavy Metal (Takin’ a Ride)”
Don Felder Hobbies
- Playing guitar (his passion)
- Collecting vintage guitars
- Listening to classic rock
- Spending time with family
- Reading biographies
- Watching sports (especially football)
- Traveling for concerts
- Writing music and songs
Don Felder Favorite Things
- Food: Southern cuisine (fried chicken, collard greens)
- Color: Black and Blue
- Movie: The Godfather
- Guitarist: Duane Allman (taught him slide guitar)
- Band: The Beatles
- Holiday Destination: Florida (his home state)
- Instrument: Gibson Les Paul
- Book: His own autobiography
- Drink: Coffee
- Pastime: Playing with his grandchildren
Don Felder Interesting Facts
- Don Felder traded cherry bombs for his first guitar at a five-and-dime store.
- He was self-taught and learned guitar by playing tapes at half-speed.
- He gave guitar lessons to a young Tom Petty (though Petty said it was piano).
- He co-wrote the music for “Hotel California” on a 12-string guitar.
- He was fired from the Eagles on February 6, 2001.
- He sued the Eagles for wrongful termination and breach of contract.
- His autobiography “Heaven and Hell” was the first tell-all book by an Eagles member.
- He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
- He has German ancestry from his father’s side.
- He was raised in a Southern Baptist family.
FAQs
1. What is Don Felder’s real name?
His real name is Donald William Felder. He uses Don Felder professionally.
2. How old is Don Felder in 2026?
He is 79 years old. He was born on September 21, 1947.
3. How tall is Don Felder?
His height is 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm).
4. What is Don Felder’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated at $60 million as of 2026.
5. Is Don Felder married?
He is divorced from Susan Pickersgill. He is currently engaged to Diane McInerney.
6. What is Don Felder famous for?
He is famous for being the lead guitarist of the Eagles and co-writing “Hotel California.”
7. Does Don Felder have children?
Yes, he has four children: Jesse, Rebecca, Cody, and Leah.
Conclusion
Don Felder, whose real name is Donald William Felder, is a true rock legend. At 79 years old in 2026, he is still active. He was born on September 21, 1947 in Gainesville, Florida. His height is 5 feet 10 inches and his weight is 176 lb. His career started in the 1960s with local bands.
He joined the Eagles in 1974 and co-wrote “Hotel California.” He released solo albums like Airborne and American Rock ‘n’ Roll. He recorded under Columbia Records and his own label. His estimated net worth is $60 million. He is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and a guitar icon.
He continues to tour and record new music. His legacy as the Eagles’ lead guitarist is secure. He will be remembered for his signature sound and iconic songs. Don Felder is a true American rock treasure.