Glenn Frey

November 6, 2024

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Glenn Frey, born November 6, 1948, is one of rock’s most revered musicians. Glen studied music from a young age, starting with piano at age five and then moving on to the guitar. It was in the middle of the ‘60s when he got involved in the rock industry. In high school, he was a part of a band that included some of his schoolmates. In the year 1966, after graduating from high school, he was invited to join a local band, The Four of Us, and it was only uphill in his music career from there on. Frey, the frontman of the legendary band the Eagles left the world in mourning with his untimely passing. We’ll celebrate his special day with you right here!

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Glenn Lewis Frey

Nickname:

Roach, Sporticus, Lone Ranger, Elvis

Birth date:

November 6, 1948

Death date:

January 18, 2016 (age 67)

Zodiac Sign:

Scorpio

Height:

5' 8"

Net Worth:

$120 million

Background

A musical legend, Glenn Lewis Frey was renowned for being the co-founder and co-lead singer of the rock band, the Eagles. Generations of music lovers have been raised on the band’s hit songs, including ‘Hotel California,’ ‘Take It Easy,’ and ‘New Kid in Town.’

The Hall of Fame honoree was born on November 6, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan. His zodiac sign was Scorpio and he was American. He was married to Cindy Millican, with whom he had three children. Their son Deacon continued to tour with the Eagles following Frey’s death in 2016.

While Frey is most well-known for his stellar music career as both a band member and solo artist, he also leaped into acting with roles in “Jerry Maguire,” “Miami Vice,” “Let’s Get Harry,” “Nashville,” and more.

A multi-award winner with Grammys and American Music Awards, Frey enjoyed some success providing songs to the soundtracks of popular movies including “Beverly Hills Cop,” “Ghostbusters II,” and “Thelma & Louise”.

Although diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2000, Frey continued to perform with the Eagles and produce albums until 2012. He died from complications of his disease on January 18, 2016.

Career timeline

1960s

His Music Debut

After learning to play the guitar in his youth, Frey goes on to form a few bands; during this time, he is also signed by a record label.

1970

The Eagles Band is Founded

Together with drummer Don Henley, Frey founds the highly successful Eagles band while on tour with singer Linda Ronstadt.

1982

He Launches His Solo Career

During an Eagles hiatus in the early 1980s, Frey launches his successful solo career, debuting his “No Fun Aloud” album in 1982.

1994

The Eagles Reunite

Following more than a decade apart, the band reunites and released their album “Hell Freezes Over.”

1998

Induction Into the Hall of Fame

Frey and his Eagles bandmates are inducted into the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; a double honor since it was also the first year they were nominated for it.

2012

He Releases His Final Album

In what would turn out to be the final album before his death, Frey releases “After Hours” in 2012.

Why We Love Glenn Frey

He had a great sense of humor
Frey loved to have a laugh at others’ expense. He would also often use the alias Mr.I.Party when checking into hotels whilst on tour.
He inspired his son to play music
Frey’s son, Deacon, honored his father’s memory by continuing to play with the Eagles until 2022. Frey made sure to pass down his legacy.
He is multi-talented
Frey was more than a musician. He played roles in movies and was great at golf. Anyone would be impressed.

5 Surprising Facts

He was ambidextrous
The talented musician played his guitar with his right hand, despite actually being left-handed.
He was a university lecturer
In 1993, students at U.C.L.A. were lucky enough to be taught a course on songwriting by Mr. Frey himself.
A movie character was inspired by him
Cameron Crowe’s wildly successful comedy-drama “Almost Famous” featured the character Russell Hammond who was loosely based on Frey.
He played at a pro golf level
Frey’s golfing skills were quite impressive, often leading him to play in professional and celebrity golf tournaments, including the Pebble Beach Pro-Am tournament.
He was a teenage heart-throb
Teen girls loved Frey, leading to him earning the nickname Teen King.