More Musical Hometowns

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When someone is as big an Eagles fan as I was back in the 70s, it should come as no surprise that I’d find myself meandering through the eastern Texas hill country for another trip to a musical hometown. This time, we’re talking about Don Henley. The drummer and primary lead vocalist for the Eagles was born in the town of Gilmer, Texas on July 22, 1947. He was raised in the Cass County seat of Linden. My first trip to Linden was in 1982. MUCH bigger than Tina Turner’s hometown of Nutbush, Tennessee, but that isn’t saying much. Actually, then they had a population of about 2,300. Now, according to the welcome sign, it’s down to about 1,850. Despite the small size, it has things like a downtown, a county courthouse, and traffic lights…things that tell you you’re in a town. (Sorry, Tina. ) Henley titled his 2015 solo album after the county he grew up in, Cass County. He’s made generous donations to the town to improve things, including a concert venue. Despite that, the only signage clearly visible touts Linden as the birthplace of blues great T-Bone Walker. Gilmer is a lot bigger, as you can see by its welcome sign (4,800!!!). That’s where Henley was actually born. The towns are two counties and 40 miles apart. But that’s country living in the 40s and 50s for you. Anyway, it was nice to go back to the small town that gave us a big talent. PHOTOS: (Top) City limits sign for Gilmer, Texas (Bottom) New (left) and old Linden, Texas water towers.