Who Is Don Felder? Age, Biography and Wiki
Don Felder, an iconic American musician and songwriter, was born on September 21, 1947. As of 2025, he is 78 years old. Felder is best recognized for his role as the lead guitarist for the legendary rock band, the Eagles. His distinct style and craftsmanship contributed significantly to the band's sound, most notably in songs like "Hotel California". Throughout his career, Don Felder has earned numerous accolades and remains an influential figure in the music industry.
| Occupation | Songwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 21, 1947 |
| Age | 77 Years |
| Birth Place | Gainesville, Florida, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Don Felder's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
As a rock musician, Felder has maintained a fit build throughout his career. In 2025, he stands at approximately 6 feet tall and weighs around 170 pounds. His body measurements include a chest size of 40 inches, a waist measuring around 32 inches, and a bicep size of 14 inches.
Felder is known for his performances using Gibson Les Paul and Gibson EDS-1275 (double-neck 6- and 12-string) electric guitars. This prompted Gibson to name two re-issues after him in 2010, the "Don Felder Hotel California 1959 Les Paul" and the "Don Felder Hotel California EDS-1275". Felder himself is an avid guitar collector, having amassed close to 300 models since childhood.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Don Felder has been private about his personal life, particularly regarding his current relationship status. Previously married to Susan Felder from 1971 to 2000, he has since remained single, focusing on his career and personal growth. Although there are no confirmed reports of a boyfriend or girlfriend in 2025, Felder’s dedication to music suggests that he may prefer to keep his romantic life away from the public eye.
At a concert in Long Beach, California, for Senator Alan Cranston on July 31, 1980, known as the "Long Night at Wrong Beach", things hit a breaking point in the band. The animosity between Felder and Frey boiled over before the show began, after Felder said "You're welcome – I guess" to Cranston and his wife, thus offending Frey.
He angrily confronted Felder, and the pair began to threaten beatings throughout the show. Felder recalls Frey telling him during "Best of My Love", "I'm gonna kick your ass when we get off the stage." After the concert, Felder smashed, according to Frey, Felder's "cheapest guitar".
"It was becoming the 'Glenn and Don Show' and they expected all of us to fall in line with their whims and wishes," said Felder. "I hate politics and had no desire to campaign for anybody, plus I never met Cranston before. Being in the band was no longer a fun experience." The Eagles disbanded shortly thereafter.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Don Felder's estimated net worth is around $60 million. This impressive figure stems from his extensive career as a musician, songwriter, and author. Besides his earnings from his time with the Eagles, Felder has engaged in solo projects and tours that add to his financial portfolio. His well-rounded experience in the music industry indicates he continues to earn a steady income from various streams, including performances, royalties, and merchandise.
In 1985, Henley offered Felder $5,000 a week (US $0 in dollars) to go on tour with him, but Felder turned it down, citing both dissatisfaction with the pay and a desire to not go on tour.
Career, Business and Investments
Don Felder's career skyrocketed in the 1970s with the Eagles, and even after leaving the band, he has remained active in the music scene. He has released solo albums, such as "Airborne" and "Road to Forever," showcasing his ongoing passion for making music. Beyond his performing career, he has also made investments in music-related businesses and has authored a memoir, "Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974–2001)", sharing insights about his time with the band.
After the Maundy Quintet broke up, Felder went to Manhattan, New York City, with a band called Flow, which released a self-titled improvisational rock fusion album in 1970. The 1970 Flow album has the distinction of being among the first issued on the newly independent CTI Records label, founded by jazz producer Creed Taylor.
While in New York, Felder improved his mastery of improvisation on the guitar and learned various styles. After Flow broke up, Felder moved to Boston where he got a job in a recording studio.
Social Network
Felder maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with fans and fellow musicians. You can find him on platforms such as Instagram and Twitter, where he shares updates about his music, tour dates, and personal moments. His online presence allows him to engage directly with a devoted fanbase, further cementing his legacy in the music world.
Felder's autobiography Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974–2001) was published in early 2008. The book allowed Felder to tell his life story, describe his relationships with Glenn Frey and Don Henley, and to relate his own version of his termination from the band in 2001.
In an interview done on April 27, 2008, with Jim Farber of the New York Daily News, Felder is quoted as saying that he "wasn't out to hang people's heads for the whole community to see, that wasn't the point of the book. The point was to tell my story."
Education
Don Felder's journey in music began from a young age, and he was largely self-taught in guitar. However, he also attended the University of Florida, where he studied telecommunications. His educational background provided him with a fundamental understanding of music and communication, a combination that has been beneficial in both his creative and business endeavors.
Felder's family could not afford music lessons, so he taught himself to play guitar by ear, by listening to tape recordings that he played back at half-speed. He worked at a music school started by a Berklee graduate, who taught music theory and some notation to Felder during his employment there.
