Died On This Date (January 18, 2016) Glenn Frey / The Eagles
themusicsover Glenn Frey
November 6, 1948 – January 18, 2016
Glenn Frey was best known for being a founding member of the hugely popular American rock band, the Eagles. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Frey initially studied the keyboards and formed his first band while still in high school. His first break came by way of local up-and-comer, Bob Seger, who asked Frey to play acoustic guitar and sing background vocals on his 1968 single, “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man.” Soon after, Frey moved to Los Angeles to further pursue his career and quickly gravitated toward a collective of musicians that were starting to make some noise with their twangy folk rock songs that would later be dubbed the “Laurel Canyon Sound.” In 1970, Linda Ronstadt was looking for a band to play one gig at Disneyland. As fate would have it, that band turned out to be Frey, Don Henley, Randy Meisner, and Bernie Leadon. Frey and Henley clicked, so after appearing on Ronstadt’s self-titled album, she encouraged them to form their own band, and the Eagles were born. With their country-tinged soft rockers, tight musicianship, and exquisite harmonies, the band took America by storm. They went on to become one of the most successful rock bands in the world with Frey writing or co-writing many of their biggest hits. That list of songs includes, “Lyin’ Eyes,” “Already Gone,” “New Kid In Town,” and “Tequila Sunrise.” But in less than a decade, their run was over. Frey went on to achieve a successful solo career fueled by hit singles he recorded for the soundtracks of Beverly Hills Cop (“The Heat Is On”), and Miami Vice (“You Belong To The City” and “Smuggler’s Blues”). His 1982 debut album, No Fun Aloud, did well also, hitting #32 on the US charts and achieving Gold status. During this period, Frey also dabbled in acting, most notably as a drug smuggler in the first season of Miami Vice. He also appeared on such TV shows as Wiseguy and Arli$$, and films, Let’s Get Harry and Jerry Maguire. The Eagles reformed to much acclaim in 1994 and have continued to tour on occasion ever since. In 2007, they reunited to record their first album since 1979, The Long Road Out Of Eden. Joining Frey and Henley on this album and tour to follow were fellow Eagles, Timothy B. Schmit and Joe Walsh. In late 2015, it was announced that Frey was suffering from serious health issues but was expected to recover, at least publicly. On January 18, 2016, Glenn Frey died from a combination of complications following an intestinal surgery in November. He was 67.
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