Don Henley manages to soar, with The Eagles or without

Once upon a time, it was somewhat novel for musicians to support certain politics or causes.

Now, of course, almost every artist who sings a note is behind a cause, leaving some wondering about artists’ sincerity. One notable exception is Don Henley, arguably the most successful solo artist who emerged from the supergroup the Eagles.

“Even though he’s a corporate entity with Eagles, as an indie artist he has certain anger ‘against corporate greed and political inconsistency’ that has [enchanted] fans,” said Richard Laermer, who included information about Henley in his 2008 book “2011: Trendspotting for the Next Decade.”

“Ever since he was dropped from Geffen Records [in 1995, according to Rolling Stone magazine] for his refusal to excise a few political songs from his last CD, many fans — new and old — have taken a renewed shine to him and particularly as a grizzled folk-like singer who never shies from an issue.”

When the four-piece band the Eagles first hit prominence in the early 1970s, it was known as Linda Ronstadt’s backup band. It wasn’t long before the band’s music and Henley’s political/social causes proved its members were much more than backing players.

Even when the band, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, failed to score hits, it has been lauded by fans both collectively and individually as evidenced by the 2007 release “The Long Road Out of Eden.”

“I have never heard a single song from that album on radio,” said Laermer, chief executive officer of the New York-based public relations firm RLM PR. “It really doesn’t matter because they have the ability to connect [with their fans].”

Part of that ability is tied to the songs “Hotel California,” “Desperado,” “Witchy Woman” and dozens of others that were played repeatedly when the Eagles came to prominence. Of course Henley’s solo hits such as “Dirty Laundry” and “Sunset Grill” add to that mystique.

“The Eagles are a living, breathing thing,” said Steve Baltin, editor of AOL’s music site Spinner.com. “One reason is so many of their songs … played such large parts in people’s lives. Think of ‘Desperado,’ which … has been played at countless weddings.”

Lisa Scalia of Manhattan Beach, Calif., is one loyal Henley/Eagles fan who enjoys the music rather than the causes they espouse.

“I’ve been a fan of Henley’s since the first Eagles album,” she said. “My all-time favorite song of Henley’s … is ‘The Boys of Summer.’ This particular song evokes such fond memories of my life at the time it was first released [1984] when I was in my 20s, single, enjoying my first real job and a real paycheck. … Overall, it is truly music which has played in the background of my life for so many years and will always be special to me.”