Glenn Frey

<p>Born in Detroit, Michigan, on November 6, 1948, Glenn Lewis Frey grew up in Royal Oak, immersing himself in the vibrant Detroit music scene alongside Bob Seger, who mentored young Frey and invited him to sing acoustic rhythm guitar and backing vocals on his 1968 hit single "Ramblin' Gamblin' Man." In 1969, Frey relocated to Los Angeles, sharing an apartment in Echo Park with singer-songwriter J.D. Souther and befriending Jackson Browne.</p><p>In 1971, Frey and drummer Don Henley were hired as members of Linda Ronstadt's backing band, where they joined bassist Randy Meisner and guitarist Bernie Leadon. Recognizing their extraordinary vocal harmonies and songwriting chemistry, the four formed the Eagles later that year under manager Irving Azoff. Frey co-wrote their debut breakthrough single "Take It Easy" with Jackson Browne, establishing the signature country-rock sound that defined 1970s Southern California music.</p><p>Frey served as the band's de facto leader and vocal centerpiece on timeless hits like "Peaceful Easy Feeling," "Already Gone," "Lyin' Eyes," and "New Kid in Town." The Eagles became one of the best-selling musical acts in history, with their 1976 collection <em>Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975)</em> certified as the top-selling album of all time in the United States. Following the band's hiatus, Frey enjoyed a lucrative solo career with 1980s hits such as "The Heat Is On" (from <em>Beverly Hills Cop</em>) and "You Belong to the City" (from <em>Miami Vice</em>). Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, Frey's smooth melodies and resonant lyrics remain quintessential soundtracks of American popular culture.</p>