There are few song writers and singers who are more identified with the music of my generation. The 70’s were dominated by Glenn Frey songs; Take it Easy, Hotel California, Tequila Sunrise, One of These Nights and Peaceful Easy Feeling, to name just a few. His collaborations with Don Henley are part of the very core of that decade’s music.
Frey was born at Detroit General Hospital. His family lived in Royal Oak, where he grew up. He was good friends with Bob Seger from way back. Frey played percussion and guitar on some of Seger’s early hits.
Frey and Henley both played in Linda Ronstadt’s backup band in 1971 and met Bernie Leadon and Randy Meisner there; soon forming the Eagles.
The first album that the Eagles released, in 1972, was the classic; Eagles. The album was recorded in England. By 1976, the band’s greatest hits album was a must-have and has since sold more than 25 million copies. The group’s music often fell under the country rock category, but also included tunes that can be classified as hard rock, ballads and pop.
Collaborations with people like Jackson Browne produced songs like James Dean and Doolin Dalton, and in collaboration with bassist Timothy B. Schmit, the great hit; I Can’t Tell You Why, featuring the guitar solo by Don Felder that any baby boomer knows. Frey’s lead vocals on Ol’ 55, along with Henley, took a song written by another artist to the top of the charts.
While it was sad to see the early demise of David Bowie, the music of Frey was more dominant in my collection back then, and to this day is still some of my favorite 70’s music; downloaded on my devices. Frey’s smooth, soft rock vocals, along with the group’s harmonies, produced a sound that was symbolic of the 70’s. Hotel California was the seventh highest selling album of the entire decade. The single Hotel California was also the 19th ranked song of the decade
The Eagles announced their breakup in May of 1982. In 1994, they reunited.
After the Thrill is Gone, Already Gone, Lyin’ Eyes, Take it to The Limit, New Kid in Town, Witchy Woman, The Best of My Love, Heartache Tonight and Love Will Keep Us Alive; are all now a big part of what we call Classic Rock.
The Eagles had five singles that hit Billboard Magazine’s number one spot. They had 14 top 40 hits, along with four albums that also hit number one.
Thanks for the memories Glenn. Your talent inspired a generation and will stay with us whenever we remember some of the best songs ever. Glenn Frey died January 18, 2016 of complications from rheumatoid arthritis, compounded by acute ulcerative colitis and pneumonia. He was 67.
© 2016 K Richard Douglas
