As 2016 continues its sad march forward we find ourselves saying good bye to, yet another icon of the music industry, with the announcement of Glenn Frey’s death. On Monday January 18, 2016 The Eagles announced, via their website, that Frey had passed away after complications from a battle with intestinal problems.
Hailing from Detroit Michigan, Frey’s career began when as a backup singer (and acoustic guitarist) on the Bob Seger hit Ramblin Gamblin Man. From there Frey moved to Los Angeles where he became part of Linda Ronstadt’s back up band for a short time; it was there he met the people he would later form The Eagles with.
With The Eagles Frey rose to fame as a respected musician and songwriter, writing (or co-writing) such hits as Peaceful Easy Feeling, Desperado and One of These Nights; to name but a few.
When The Eagles broke up in 1980 Frey launched a successful solo career with such hits as The Heat is On and You Belong to The City, as well as a successful acting career.
Over the next 30 years Frey remained active, and relevant, to generation after generation with his recordings and with his acting appearances, leaving a legacy that will live on for many years and maintaining Frey’s importance to musicians for generations to come.
In a statement to Billboard Magazine Bob Seger remembered his long time friend by quoting something Glenn Frey had said to him. “Isn’t it amazing, Bob, we’re still doing this at our age? I am so grateful that these fans keep coming out.”
John Goodale is the author of ‘Johnny Gora’ (available through Amazon.com), and a number of articles here on TMRZoo.com. His monthly column ‘Indy Comics Spotlight’ appears here and through his blog Indy Comics Spotlight
