Remembering Glenn Frey – singer, songwriter, and founding member of classic rock band, the Eagles
On Jan 18, news broke that Glenn Frey passed on at the age of 67 after suffering from complications from his intestinal surgery.
A true rocker back in the day with his long, thick locks and desperado moustache, Glenn Frey was the mastermind behind some of the Eagles’ greatest hits. We celebrate an immense talent by reliving the best hits sung by Glenn Frey with the Eagles or in his solo career.
1. Take it Easy
Co-written by Glenn Frey and Jackson Browne, “Take it Easy” was the Eagles’ first ever single. Released in 1972, it has become one of the most iconic rock ‘n’ roll songs of a generation.
This performance was filmed in 1977.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFYXfeoTOLU
2. Peaceful Easy Feeling
The third single from the band’s 1972 debut album, Eagles, “Peaceful Easy Feeling” reached No. 22 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and is one of the band’s most popular songs.
It is the second Eagles single on which Glenn Frey sings lead vocals .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaG00zRHDJY
3. Tequila Sunrise
Named after the well-known cocktail drink, Don Henley and Glenn Frey co-wrote “Tequila Sunrise” for the Eagles’ second album, Desperado.
In an interview, Henley said that Glenn came up with the title of the song but was ambivalent about his choice because of the drinks’ popularity. Instead of being the cliché Glenn feared, it turned out to be one of the best-known soft rock anthems.
4. Lyin’ Eyes
The Eagles received a Grammy Award for the Best Pop Performance by a Group for “Lyin’ Eyes”.
Co-written by Henley and Frey, with Frey singing lead vocals, “Lyin’ Eyes” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and No. 8 on the US Country chart.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5wbcE2QQQM
5. New Kid in Town
Written by Henley, Frey and JD Souther, “New Kid in Town” is from the Eagles’ 1976 album, Hotel California. Frey sings lead vocals on this first single of the album.
“New Kid in Town” became a No. 1 hit in the USA and the Eagles won a Grammy Award for Best Arrangement for Voices for it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCLwg6cUJIk
6. Heartache Tonight
“Heartache Tonight” was the Eagles’ last chart-topping song on the Hot 100. Co-written by Henley, Frey, Bob Seger and JD Souther, it sold 1 million copies and received a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRMlHRo7eAE
7. The Heat is On
Glenn Frey recorded “The Heat is On” as a solo artiste, for the 1984 film Beverly Hills Cop, starring Eddie Murphy. The song was a major hit, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
In the US, “The Heat is On” is the highest charting solo single by any member of the Eagles.
8. You Belong to the City
“You Belong to the City” was written by Frey and Jack Tempchin for the popular 1985 television show, “Miami Vice”. Frey’s single peaked at No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and helped the “Miami Vice” soundtrack become one of the best-selling TV soundtracks of all time.
9. Hotel California
Arguably the Eagles’ best song, “Hotel California” was co-written by Frey, Henley and Don Felder. This song isn’t sung by Frey but when they performed for the launch of their new album, Hell Freezes Over, in 1994, Frey famously quipped, “For the record, we never broke up; we just took a 14-year vacation.”
This is the iconic live performance of the now classic acoustic version of “Hotel California”.
10. Get Over It
“Get Over It” is the first song written by Henley and Frey after the band reunited after their 14-year hiatus. It returned the Eagles to the US Top 40, peaking at No. 31 on the Billboard Hot 100.
“Get Over It” quickly became a fan favourite and is now a modern classic.
Thank you for the music and rest in peace, Glenn Frey.
By Nicole-Marie Ng
Photo: Steve Alexander
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