Glenn Frey, the legendary singer, songwriter, guitarist and co-founder of the Eagles, died on January 18, 2016, at the age of 67, leaving behind a lasting musical legacy that continues to influence generations of rock and country-rock fans.
Frey’s death was announced by his family and the Eagles. The band’s official statement said he had succumbed to complications from rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis and pneumonia. He died in New York City after experiencing serious health problems in the months leading up to his death.
Born November 6, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, Frey developed an interest in music at an early age. He eventually moved to Los Angeles, where he became part of the emerging country-rock scene and crossed paths with musicians including Jackson Browne, J.D. Souther and Linda Ronstadt.
His career changed dramatically when he became part of Linda Ronstadt’s backing band alongside Don Henley, Randy Meisner and Bernie Leadon. That group would eventually develop into the Eagles, one of the most commercially successful and influential American rock bands in music history.
Frey and Henley became the band’s principal songwriting partnership. Frey provided lead vocals and guitar on some of the Eagles’ most recognizable recordings, including “Take It Easy,” “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” “New Kid in Town” and “Heartache Tonight.”
The Eagles achieved enormous success during the 1970s before breaking up in 1980. Frey subsequently launched a successful solo career, scoring major hits including “The Heat Is On,” “You Belong to the City” and “Smuggler’s Blues.” He also pursued acting, appearing in television programs and films including Miami Vice and Jerry Maguire.
The Eagles reunited in the 1990s, and Frey continued performing with the group until his health deteriorated. In late 2015, the band postponed an appearance at the Kennedy Center Honors because Frey required treatment for serious intestinal problems.
Glenn Frey Cause of Death
According to the Eagles’ official statement, Glenn Frey died from complications of rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis and pneumonia.
His longtime Eagles manager, Irving Azoff, later said that medications Frey was receiving for rheumatoid arthritis contributed to complications involving ulcerative colitis and pneumonia. Medical experts subsequently cautioned that the relationship between rheumatoid arthritis, its treatment and Frey’s fatal complications was complex.
Frey’s death was met with widespread mourning throughout the music industry. Don Henley, his longtime Eagles songwriting partner, described Frey as the person who helped start the band and credited their friendship with changing his life.
In the years since his death, Frey’s influence has remained deeply connected to the Eagles’ enduring catalog. His voice, songwriting and musicianship helped shape some of the defining sounds of American rock music.
For millions of listeners, Glenn Frey’s legacy lives on through the songs he created and performed. His contributions to the Eagles and his solo career ensured that his music would continue to be heard long after his death.
