Record Producer Sues Don Felder Over Album Credits

A notable record producer, who is also the nephew of Marilyn Monroe, is taking legal action against Eagles guitarist Don Felder. He claims Felder wrongfully denied him producer credits on a couple of his albums.

Robin DiMaggio, related to baseball legend Joe DiMaggio, is pushing for the payments and credits he believes he was promised by Felder, famous for hits like “Hotel California.”

In court documents, it’s revealed that Felder enlisted DiMaggio as a producer and session drummer for his 2019 solo album, *American Rock and Roll*. DiMaggio asserts he was paid $30,000 for his contributions and agreed to waive a production fee for the recognition of co-producer.

He contends that these credits hold significant value, as they would entitle him to a share—up to 25%—of the album’s royalties.

Further legal filings indicate that Felder, who was with the Eagles from 1974 to 2001, informed his label, DiMarzio BMG, that he wouldn’t release any records bearing DiMaggio’s name due to some ongoing legal challenges the drummer was facing.

DiMaggio’s troubles reportedly stem from allegations of embezzling close to $1 million from a charity concert aimed at helping children affected by war. He received a 27-month prison sentence in October 2020.

Felder did offer DiMaggio $5,000 in cash, which DiMaggio declined. Initially, he thought pursuing the matter might not be worthwhile as he assumed BMG wouldn’t put out albums with his name attached. But in 2025, he discovered that the credit decision was actually made by Felder, not the record label, as indicated in the lawsuit.

DiMaggio was informed that the matter had been sent to BMG’s legal team, and at no point did they indicate he shouldn’t receive credits.

Moreover, the duo also collaborated on another album titled *The Vault-50 Years of Music*, where DiMaggio was assured he would be listed as a producer as well.

While Felder was on tour, DiMaggio claimed to have invested considerable effort into this album. However, Felder’s response supposedly contradicted this, suggesting that DiMaggio merely played drums and did not contribute as a producer.

In this lawsuit, DiMaggio is pursuing 25% of Felder’s net earnings from both albums, alongside an additional $15,000 for extra studio work on each song. He is also seeking both compensatory and punitive damages, along with legal fees.

Attempts to reach Felder for comment have been unsuccessful. His ongoing feud with the Eagles over financial disputes is well-known, and he is currently wrapping up a multi-city tour that concludes on November 5th.