Dirty Laundry (Don Henley song)

History

The song is about the callousness of network television news reporting as well as the tabloidization of all news. Henley sings from the standpoint of a news presenter who "could have been an actor, but I wound up here". The song's theme is that TV news coverage focuses too much on negative and sensationalist news; in particular, deaths, disasters, and scandals, with little regard to the consequences or for what is important ("We all know that crap is king"). The song was inspired by the intrusive press coverage surrounding the deaths of comedian John Belushi and actress Natalie Wood, and Henley's own arrest in 1980 when he was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor and possession of marijuana, cocaine, and Quaaludes after a 16-year-old girl overdosed at his Los Angeles home. The "bubbleheaded bleach blonde" mentioned in the song was rumored to have been Christine Lundstedt (Christine Lund) of KABC-TV in Los Angeles, but Henley has categorically denied this.

Among the musicians on the record were Timothy B. Schmit and Joe Walsh, two of Henley's bandmates of Eagles. Walsh performs the first guitar solo, followed by Steve Lukather of the rock band Toto; the guitar basic tracks are played by Danny Kortchmar who also helped Henley compose this song.

Although an official music video was never made, Global News produced a parody video in 1985 (credited to the "News Brothers", all Global News reporters) featuring the song.

Versions

The original vinyl LP version is a slightly different mix from the single version, which is the version commonly released on CD. They run about the same duration. There is also a German 7" single with a unique 4:40 edit.

Among the differences in the single version are added keyboards on the intro, no teleprinter noises at 1:32 and 3:29, a slightly longer delay on the vocal echo throughout the song, a slightly different vocal take on the line "you don't really want to know just how far it's gone" at 3:00, removed or quieted guitar chord on the down beats during the verses at 1:57–2:14 and 2:55–3:13, and a differently panned and slightly louder telephone ringer noise at 3:36 & 5:17–end.

Personnel

• Don Henley – lead vocals, backing vocals
• Steve Porcaro – special keyboard effects
• Roger Linn – Linn LM-1 (credited with "special effects"){{cite web|title=Synth icons: Linn Electronics Inc LM-1 Drum Computer
• Danny Kortchmar – organ, synthesizer, rhythm guitar, backing vocals
• Joe Walsh – 2nd guitar solo
• Steve Lukather – 1st guitar solo
• Timothy B. Schmit – bass guitar, backing vocals
• Jeff Porcaro – drums
• George Gruel – backing vocals

Chart performance

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Certifications

References

References

1. Sleeve notes to ''Dirty Laundry'' in ''[[Actual Miles: Henley's Greatest Hits. Actual Miles]]'' CD of 1995.
2. [[Joel Whitburn. Whitburn, Joel]] (2004). ''The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits'', 8th Edition (Billboard Publications), page 282.
3. Zimmerman, Lee. (July 22, 2011). "Airing Don Henley's "Dirty Laundry" on His 64th Birthday".
4. "Dirty Laundry by Don Henley Songfacts". Songfacts.com.
5. The [[Liner notes. sleeve notes]] also mention musicians George Gruel, [[Roger Linn]] and [[Steve Porcaro]].Sleeve notes to ''Dirty Laundry'' in the ''[[Actual Miles: Henley's Greatest Hits. Actual Miles]]'' CD of 1995.
6. Sean O'Shea. (2019-11-18). "Paul Dalby, 'debonair' Global News journalist, dead at 73". Global News.
7. Brian Rolli. (2022-10-22). "When Don Henley Waged War on the Media With 'Dirty Laundry'". [[Townsquare Media.
8. "Don Henley - Dirty Laundry (Global News Parody)".
9. Kent, David. (1993). "Australian Chart Book 1970–1992". Australian Chart Book.
10. Nanda Lwin. (1999). "Top 40 Hits: The Essential Chart Guide". Music Data Canada.
11. "Top 100 1983-01-15". [[Cashbox (magazine).
12. "Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada".
13. "Top 100 Year End Charts: 1982". [[Cashbox (magazine).
14. (December 24, 1983). "Talent Almanac 1984: Top Pop Singles".