Walsh, who began his career in Kent, Ohio (after leaving Kent State University during the upheaval of the Vietnam War protests), made three successful studio albums with The James Gang, gaining considerable airplay with FM hits "Funk 49," and "Walk Away" and "The Bomber."
His 1972 album, Barnstorm, was an intriguing departure for Walsh, featuring a broader and more expressive range of music than The James Gang recordings. With the following year's album he went platinum with the hit single, "Rocky Mountain Way." His solo career was thriving, when in 1976, The Eagles tapped him to replace Bernie Leadon on guitar.
Today, Walsh remains active as both a solo act and a member of the reunited Eagles, and toured with a reunited James Gang in 2006.