The Eagles: Founding member Glenn Frey, songwriter and musician, was known not just for his instrumentation but also for his vast acting work. With his timeless hits, he has made an indelible impact on the music industry, and his songs remain fan favorites all over the world.
This blog explores his net worth, biography, some of his biggest songs, and his ability to write lyrics, along with his early demise, and takes a look at his discography.
Table of Contents
Glenn Frey: A Brief Biography
table of glimpse for Glenn Frey, summarizing key aspects of his life and career:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Glenn Lewis Frey |
| Date of Birth | November 6, 1948 |
| Place of Birth | Detroit, Michigan, USA |
| Date of Death | January 18, 2016 |
| Cause of Death | Complications from rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis, and pneumonia |
| Profession | Musician, Singer, Songwriter, Actor |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $120 million at the time of his death |
| Famous As | Founding member, vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter of The Eagles |
| Notable Songs (Eagles) | “Take It Easy,” “Tequila Sunrise,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” “New Kid in Town,” “Heartache Tonight” |
| Notable Songs (Solo) | “The Heat Is On,” “You Belong to the City,” “Smuggler’s Blues,” “The One You Love” |
| Key Albums (Eagles) | Eagles (1972), Desperado (1973), Hotel California (1976), The Long Run (1979) |
| Key Solo Albums | No Fun Aloud (1982), The Allnighter (1984), Soul Searchin’ (1988), Strange Weather (1992) |
| Awards (Eagles) | 6 Grammy Awards, 5 American Music Awards, inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1998) |
| Signature Style | A blend of rock, country, and pop storytelling with heartfelt lyrics and relatable themes |
| Legacy | One of the most influential musicians of all time, with enduring contributions to rock music |
- Full Name: Glenn Lewis Frey
- Born: Nov. 6, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
- Died: Jan. 18, 2016, in New York City.
- Occupation: musician, singer, songwriter, actor
Frey was raised in Royal Oak, Mich., and showed an early aptitude for music. He taught himself to play piano and guitar and became part of the bustling Detroit music scene. In the late 1960s, he relocated to Los Angeles, where he met Don Henley, with whom he would form The Eagles in 1971. Frey’s vocals, songwriting, and guitar skills played a key role in the band’s success.
Net Worth at the Moment of Passing
Glenn Frey died in 2016 at a net worth of $120 million. He had piled up this fortune also via his titanic success working with The Eagles, songwriting royalties, and film roles. His fortune came mostly from their steady sales of albums and tours and their status as one of the best-selling bands of all time.
Songs and Lyrics
Glenn Frey was one of the driving creative forces behind many of The Eagles’ biggest hits, as well as his solo material. Here’s a glimpse at some of his most famous pieces:
With The Eagles
- “Take It Easy” (1972)
- Written with Jackson Browne, this song was the band’s first big hit, as well as one of its most popular songs.
- “Tequila Sunrise” (1973)
- A bittersweet, almost beautiful little song inspired by life on the road, written by Frey and Henley.
- “Lyin’ Eyes” (1975)
- A Grammy-winning country-rock anthem, it also exhibited Frey’s storytelling prowess.
- “New Kid in Town” (1976)
- This song, one of Frey’s finest performances on lead vocals, won the Eagles another Grammy and came from the album Hotel California.
- “Heartache Tonight” (1979)
- Written in tandem with Bob Seger, this uptempo number reached No. 1.
Solo Career
- Frey’s own music thrived after The Eagles broke up in 1980. His hits include:
- “The Heat Is On” (1984)
- A danceable cut featured on the Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack, this became a worldwide smash.
- “You Belong to the City” (1985)
- Written for the TV series Miami Vice, it reached No. 1 and displayed Frey’s ability to straddle rock and pop.
- “Smuggler’s Blues” (1984)
- Written during the first wave of drug culture, this would also become a staple on Miami Vice and highly acclaimed.
Songwriting Legacy
Glenn Frey’s lyrics often chronicled heartbreak and love and the American dream, with a relatable touch. His dual songcraft and vocal skills with Don Henley are hailed as among the greatest team-up wins in rock history.
Death and Legacy
Frey died on Jan. 18, 2016, at the age of 67 from complications of rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis, and pneumonia. His passing was a tragic loss to both fans and the music industry. The Eagles issued a poignant statement mourning their co-founder.
However, his timeless artistry lives on through his music, a strong legacy that continues to inspire generations. His rock and country music contributions are eternalized forever, and his continued work with The Eagles is a foundation of American music.
Discography
With The Eagles
- The Eagles’ catalog includes some of the best-selling albums of all time. Key releases include:
- Eagles (1972): Includes “Take It Easy” and “Witchy Woman.”
- Desperado (1973): A concept record about outlaws and freedom.
- On the Border (1974): The band’s turn toward a more rock and roll sound.
- One of These Nights (1975): Featuring hits like “Lyin’ Eyes” and “Take It to the Limit.”
- Hotel California (1976): A landmark album that included its epic title track and “New Kid in Town.”
- The Long Run (1979): The hits included “Heartache Tonight” and “I Can’t Tell You Why.”
Solo Albums
- Glenn Frey’s solo career showed his versatility even further:
- No Fun Aloud (1982): Includes “The One You Love.”
- The Allnighter (1984): Includes the hit “Smuggler’s Blues.”
- Soul Searchin’ (1988): The softer, soulful side.
- Strange Weather (1992): A testament to his development as an artist.
Awards and Accolades
- That context translated into several awards through the years for Glenn Frey, including:
- Six Grammy Awards with The Eagles.
- Five American Music Awards.
- Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Eagles in 1998.
FAQs:
How did Glenn Frey die?
He died on Jan. 18, 2016, of complications of rheumatoid arthritis, colitis, and pneumonia.
