Remembering Glenn Frey, from 'California to 'Hell'
Courtney TenzJanuary 19, 2016
From "Hotel California" to "Hell Freezes Over" and his solo career, here's a quick look back at Glenn Frey's career and a playlist of memorable music. The co-founder of The Eagles passed away in New York at age 67.
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Remembering Glenn Frey, from 'California to 'Hell'
From Hotel California to Hell Freezes Over, here's a quick look back at Glenn Frey's career. The singer and songwriter achieved fame with both The Eagles and as a solo artist. He passed away in New York at age 67.
Image: eagles.com
Frey co-founded The Eagles with Don Henley in 1971
Originally a back-up singer for rock star Linda Ronstadt, Glenn Frey joined forces with Don Henley in Los Angeles in 1971 to form the band, The Eagles, which combined elements of rock, pop and country to create a unique sound. "We were two young men who made the pilgrimage to Los Angeles with the same dream, to make our mark in the music industry," said Henley.
Image: Imago/UnitedArchives
The Eagles make their mark with 'Hotel California'
"Hotel California," released in 1976, shot the group to fame as the song went on to sell more than 20 million copies, making the Eagles the best-selling American group of all time. They subsequently had a number of hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including "Heartache Tonight" and "Best of My Love," which also went on to number one.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/Eagles
Glenn Frey's solo success
After a series of heated arguments that included guitarist Bernie Leadon pouring beer over Frey's head, The Eagles broke up in 1980. Glenn Frey went on to record solo albums that included such hits as "You Belong to the City" and "The Heat Is On," which hit number two on the Billboard charts after being heard on the "Beverly Hills Cop" movie soundtrack.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/Eagles
'Hell Freezes Over' reunifies the band
Fourteen years after their unceremonious split, The Eagles came back together for their "Hell Freezes Over" tour, a humorous take on the vow they'd once made to not reunite until, well, "hell freezes over." The nearly two-year long tour was a huge success, with the accompanying live album selling more than six million copies.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/F. von Erichsen
Frey dies in New York at 67
Glenn Frey's died in New York on Monday (18.1.2016) as a result of complications from rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis and pneumonia. The band announced their loss online. Co-founder Don Henley released a statement saying that Frey had been like a brother to him and the bond they forged 45 years ago was never broken, even during the time The Eagles were dissolved.
Image: eagles.com
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Singer and songwriter Glenn Frey died on Monday (18.01.2016) in New York at the age of 67.
Frey joined forces with Don Henley in 1971 to create The Eagles, the best-selling American group of all time. Known for their unique mix of rock, pop and country, the Eagles created numerous Billboard hits, including the infamous "Hotel California," which sold more than 20 million copies after its release in 1976.
Although the band broke up rather unceremoniously in 1980, a reunion tour from 1994-1996 saw them hit the heights of fame again, with sold-out shows around the world and over six million albums of their live show sold.
Frey's death in New York on Monday at the age of 67 put a stop to a highly successful career, one that fans the world over are mourning. For more about what made Frey such a big name in the rock world and see photos of him live in concert click through the picture gallery above.