Glen Frey (1948-2016)

"We built something that has lasted longer than anyone could have dreamed.
But, Glenn was the one who started it all.
He was the spark plug, the man with the plan.
He had an encyclopedic knowledge of popular music and a work ethic that wouldn't quit.
He was funny, bullheaded, mercurial, generous, deeply talented and driven."
-Don Henley-
 

This is getting a little sad and crazy. What happened to the rule that bad things happen in three?

Musings Of A Sci-Fi Fanatic is beginning to read like an obituary page to all those artists, actors and performers that had sway and influence over my young life whom I adored and loved. You know you're getting older.

There was certainly a heartache last night when I discovered musician/ singer/ songwriter/ producer and founding member of the phenomenal Eagles (1971-1980), Glen Frey (1948-2016), had passed away.



In many respects, however inaccurate or unfair, it seemed Don Henley was often perceived as the John Lennon of the Eagles and thus Glen Frey a bit like the band's Paul McCartney. That analogy isn't completely justified when it comes to any of the artists named, because Frey was a tremendous talent and together with Henley made some of the most classic, memorable compositions to seduce the ear in music history as a big part of the engine that was The Eagles along with Joe Walsh and others.

Before the Eagles Frey and Henley met in 1970 and performed as part of the backing band to none other than Linda Ronstadt in 1971 though short-lived. The Eagles formed shortly thereafter.



The Eagles delivered six arguably classic American rock albums with Eagles (1972), Desperado (1973), On The Border (1974), One Of These Nights (1975), Hotel California (1976) and The Long Run (1979). The group was a prolific force in rock for a single decade burning bright and then disbanding to emerge with solo careers following a tumultuous and vitriolic conclusion (particularly between Frey and Henley with Don Felder) until reuniting for Long Road Out Of Eden (2007). But throughout the 1970s the Eagles defined an era with their unique sound, style and harmonies.

Frey's solo career was marked with five outings and mixed results but it had its gems too.



As a kid the Eagles' songs seemed to be among the many soundtracks to my life. Their music was always around and always playing somewhere it seemed. Honestly it was as unavoidable as Barry Manilow's Copacabana (At The Copa) (1978) or vintage 70s Neil Diamond. Without buying a single record back in the day I still managed to know their music by heart rediscovering them much later.

I enjoy Frey's music still from time to time and have many selections stored in my personal collection.

Thinking back to the Eagles these would likely be my six essential Frey leads with the band.
6. Peaceful Easy Feeling.
5. Take It Easy (co-written with Jackson Browne).
4. Tequila Sunrise.
3. Lyin' Eyes.
2. New Kid In Town.
1. Heartache Tonight.

Thinking back to Frey as a solo artist these would be my six essentials.
6. Part Of Me, Part Of You (from Ridley Scott's Thelma And Louise).
5. You Belong To The City (forever connected to Miami Vice).
4. The Heat Is On (forever connected with Beverly Hills Cop).
3. Smuggler's Blues (forever connected to Miami Vice).
2. Sexy Girl.
1. The One You Love.

A great American musician we loved passes. He did it all old school. Frey was 67.