Glenn Frey: Five Things To Know About The Late Eagles’ Guitarist & Singer

We’ve lost a legend with the passing of Glenn Frey, the incomparable guitarist and founder of The Eagles. This incredible musician deserves a fitting tribute; click through to learn five important facts about the late, great Glenn!

Glenn Frey passed away at the age of 67 on January 18, 2016. The accomplished musician, who founded classic rock band the Eagles, died of complications from Rheumatoid Arthritis, Acute Ulcerative Colitis and Pneumonia after fighting for his life for weeks after intestinal surgery. But let’s not focus on his death; read on to learn five things about his amazing life!

He started out in Linda Ronstadt’s backup band — with the rest of the Eagles

Glenn met fellow Eagles’ founder Don Henley in the summer of 1970, when they were both hired to play backup for Linda Ronstadt in a single gig. The gig led to them being in her band for her Summer 1971, along with Randy Meisner and Bernie Leadon. After the tour, the foursome formed the Eagles. The rest was history!

He made the Eagles legendary

The Eagles are one of the best-selling bands of all time (120 million records!), and Glenn had a lot to do with it. He served as the band’s guitarist, and sang lead vocals on a number of their hits: “Take It Easy”, “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” “Already Gone,” “Tequila Sunrise,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” “New Kid in Town,” “Heartache Tonight,” and “How Long.” The Eagles broke up in 1980, but reunited in 1994 with the album Hell Freezes Over. Because as Glenn put it — they were only getting back together if Hell froze over.

He recorded songs for movie soundtracks

Some of your favorite movies have featured Glenn’s songs. His record is illustrious: “The Heat Is On,” and “Smugglers Blues” from Beverly Hills Cop, “Flip City” from Ghostbusters II, and “Part of Me, Part of You” from Thelma & Louise.

He was an actor, too

Glenn scored a recurring role on Miami Vice and Wiseguy, and appeared in a number of TV shows: Nash Bridges, South of Sunset and Arli$$. He was in movies, too! He snagged the starring role in the 1986 film Let’s Get Harry, and played the Arizona Cardinals GM in Jerry Maguire.

He has an insane amount of awards

Throughout his career, Glenn won six Grammy Awards, and five American Music Awards. Damn! He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 with the Eagles. As a member of the Eagles, in combination with his solo career, he had 24 singles land on the Top 40 Billboard chart.

HollywoodLifers, our thoughts are with Glenn’s family during this difficult time.