Glenn Frey’s music has made a lasting impact on rock and roll1. He was born on November 6, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan. Frey co-founded the Eagles band in 1971 with Don Henley1.
He was a co-lead vocalist, guitarist, and keyboardist. Frey’s songwriting skills helped shape the Eagles’ sound. He co-wrote hits like “Hotel California.”2
As a solo artist, Frey had huge success in the 1980s. His songs “The Heat Is On” and “You Belong to the City” topped the charts2. Sadly, Frey died on January 18, 2016, at 67. His music still inspires fans everywhere1.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Glenn Frey was born on November 6, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan3. As a kid, he learned piano, then guitar, and started bands like The Subterraneans and The Mushrooms3. Frey’s musical path led him to Detroit’s lively rock scene in the mid-1960s. There, he sharpened his skills and made friends with other musicians.
Detroit Rock Scene and Encounter with Bob Seger
In those days, Frey met Bob Seger, a big name in Detroit’s music world4. Seger got Frey a deal for management and recording, letting him show off his music and songwriting talents4.
Formation of Bands like The Mushrooms and Longbranch Pennywhistle
In the late 1960s, Frey teamed up with J.D. Souther to form Longbranch Pennywhistle. They released an album and improved Frey’s songwriting4. His band, The Mushrooms, also made waves, with their song “Such a Lovely Child” coming out in 1966, when Frey was just a teenager3.
These early days in the Detroit music scene and his work with Bob Seger set the stage for Frey’s success with the Eagles4.
The Eagles: Birth of a Legendary Band
In 1971, Glenn Frey co-founded the Eagles with Don Henley. They became one of the most successful rock groups of all time5. The two musicians found each other’s talents while rooming together. This led to the band that would create iconic hits5.
Co-founding the Eagles with Don Henley
Before the Eagles, Frey was in Longbranch Pennywhistle, releasing one album in 19696. But his work with Henley really boosted his career5. They were drafted by Linda Ronstadt to play in her backing group. There, they improved their songwriting and vocals6.
Songwriting and Lead Vocals on Iconic Hits
As a key member of the Eagles, Frey wrote many hits, like “Take It Easy” with Jackson Browne7. He also sang lead on many songs, making him a crucial part of the Eagles5. The band’s success also came from other songwriters, like J.D. Souther, who wrote “The Best of My Love” and “Heartache Tonight.”6
The Eagles started in 1971 and became a legendary rock band. Their journey was fueled by the teamwork of Frey, Henley, and other songwriters5. Hits like “Take It Easy” and “Peaceful Easy Feeling” have made the Eagles a music history icon7.
“The Eagles were never a band that set out to be the biggest. We just wanted to be the best.” – Glenn Frey
glenn frey
Glenn Frey was a legend in music. He won six Grammy Awards and five American Music Awards with The Eagles1. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, their first year nominated8. He also had hits like “The Heat Is On” and “You Belong to the City.”1
Despite tensions and a breakup in the 1980s, Frey stayed a key part of The Eagles’ legacy8. He joined the band again in the 1990s for the “Hell Freezes Over” tour. This showed his lasting impact on music1.
Frey was born in November 1948 in Detroit, Michigan8. His music career started with The Mushrooms in the mid-60s8. He co-founded The Eagles with Don Henley, making many classic songs8.
Frey also acted in TV shows like “Miami Vice” and “Wiseguy.”1 He appeared in films like “Let’s Get Harry” (1986) and “Jerry Maguire” (1996)1.
Glenn Frey sadly passed away on January 18, 2016, in New York City at 671. Yet, his music and impact on the industry continue to inspire1.
Solo Career and Major Hits
When the Eagles took a break in the 1980s, Glenn Frey started his solo career. He released many hit singles and albums9. Frey had a string of Top 40 hits and two chart-toppers with the Eagles9. He also had two gold-selling albums in the early ’80s9.
Post-Eagles Hiatus and Solo Endeavors
Frey’s first solo single, “I Found Somebody,” hit No. 31 in 19829. His song “True Love” reached No. 13 in 19889. But, after 1985, he only had one Top 40 song9. His last solo project was the covers album After Hours in 20129.
“The Heat Is On” and Other Successful Singles
Frey’s 1984 song “The Heat Is On,” from Beverly Hills Cop, hit #2 on the Billboard Hot 1009. He also had hits like “You Belong to the City” and “Smuggler’s Blues.”910 Frey kept making music in the 1980s and 1990s, even when the Eagles were on hiatus11.
“Solo Collection,” a greatest hits album by Glenn Frey, was released on March 28, 199511. It didn’t chart in 1995 but reached #82 on the U.S. Billboard 200 in 2016 after Frey’s death11.
Throughout his solo career, Frey stayed connected to the Eagles. He co-wrote big hits like “Desperado,” “One of These Nights,” “Tequila Sunrise,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” “Hotel California,” “Life in the Fast Lane,” and “New Kid in Town.”10
Reuniting with the Eagles
In 1994, the Eagles came back together after a long break to release Hell Freezes Over12. This was the beginning of a new chapter for them. They went on a successful tour that lasted three years and had 160 shows12.
The tour was a huge hit, making the Eagles one of the most profitable bands in rock history12. They played their biggest hits like “Hotel California” and “Lyin’ Eyes.” They also included solo songs from Glenn Frey and Don Henley12.
The Eagles’ reunion was eagerly awaited. They had split in 1980 after The Long Run13. But, a tribute album featuring country artists covering their songs helped bring them back together13. In April 1994, they filmed an MTV special, starting their second successful chapter13.
Hell Freezes Over and Subsequent Tours
The Hell Freezes Over album and tour were huge hits13. They attracted both old fans and new listeners13. The concerts featured their classic songs and solo material, ending with three encores of fan favorites12.
The Eagles joked that they didn’t break up, they just took a long vacation13.
The Eagles kept touring in the 1990s and 2000s, with some lineup changes13. In 2017, Vince Gill and Deacon Frey joined the band, keeping their legacy alive13. Their ongoing success shows how much people love their music and the bond between the band members14.
Acting Ventures and Other Pursuits
Glenn Frey did more than just sing. He acted too. He was on “Miami Vice” as a character inspired by “Smuggler’s Blues.”15 He also starred in “Wiseguy,” showing he could do more than music15.
His acting was a small part of his career. But it showed he was a true artist. He was famous for his work with the Eagles15. Acting was just another way for him to express himself.
Frey didn’t just stick to music and acting. He was in “Let’s Get Harry” and “Jerry Maguire.”15 He loved to try new things, proving he was a true talent in many areas.
Source Links
- Glenn Frey – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenn_Frey
- Remembering An Elegant Eagle: The Style Of Glenn Frey – https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/remembering-glenn-frey/
- Glenn Frey Biography – https://www.glennfreyonline.com/biography.htm
- Glenn Frey: An Oral History – https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/glenn-frey-an-oral-history-182045/
- How Glenn Frey & Don Henley Became the Eagles, As Told by Linda Ronstadt – https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/linda-ronstadt-glenn-frey-don-henley-eagles-6844113/
- LISTEN: Hear Glenn Frey + J.D. Souther’s Pre-Eagles Band, Longbranch Pennywhistle – https://tasteofcountry.com/glenn-frey-before-the-eagles-longbranch-pennywhistle/
- What Makes the Lead Singer of The Eagles So Legendary? – https://www.gigwise.com/what-makes-the-lead-singer-of-the-eagles-so-legendary/
- Glenn Frey | Songwriters Hall of Fame – https://www.songhall.org/profile/Glenn_Frey
- Top 10 Glenn Frey Solo Songs – https://ultimateclassicrock.com/glenn-frey-solo-songs/
- Glenn Frey: 20 Essential Songs – https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/glenn-frey-20-essential-songs-30199/
- Solo Collection – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solo_Collection
- 30 Years Ago: Eagles Launch the ‘Hell Freezes Over’ Reunion Tour – https://ultimateclassicrock.com/eagles-hell-freezes-over-tour-2/
- 29 Years Ago Today: The Eagles Launch an Unlikely Reunion Tour – https://tasteofcountry.com/eagles-hell-freezes-over-reunion-tour-1994/
- 29 Years Ago: The Eagles Reunite for Hell Freezes Over Tour – https://theboot.com/eagles-hell-freezes-over-tour/
- 30 Best Glenn Frey Quotes With Image | Bookey – https://www.bookey.app/quote-author/glenn-frey
