The Eagles’ tale is full of turns and turns, and the band is closely associated with drugs, sex, and rock ‘n’ roll. As a result, they have a variety of members and multiple distinct chapters. However, Glenn Frey remained a constant presence and was essential to the group’s survival.
Frey was the band’s frontman in addition to co-writing the majority of their output with Don Felder and Don Henley. They probably would not have become one of the bands most inseparable from the rootsy sound of California and the heady essence of the 1970s without his efforts. Considering that none of the founding members are from California, this presents a conundrum. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Frey was from a distant place far from the bright lights of the “City of Angeles.”
Frey co-wrote hits like “Take It Easy,” “Tequila Sunrise,” and “Heartache Tonight,” on which he also sang lead. For many, his robust voice and lyrics that tackle themes like a life spent on the vast American highways perfectly capture the essence of the Eagles. Their interpretation of Americana is as nostalgic as it gets from the era the Detroiter led.
Famously, Frey and Henley’s friendship is important to the group as well. He once regarded the drummer/vocalist as the most important member of the group because he brought genuine creative accomplishment to the group, even though he was vital to the operation. Without Henley, Frey acknowledged, they probably would have been little more than a vocal harmony group penning corny love songs.
The Eagles were never shy about acknowledging their influences. Their signature sound helped them stand out from the plethora of other well-known acts of the early 1970s. The band’s shared love of the same music brought them together despite their disparate personal and creative backgrounds. They also hailed from different geographic locations within the US.
Although originating in “The Motor City,” the industrial heartland of America, Frey’s root style drew influence from the well-known singer-songwriter Bob Seger. Frey’s style suited the rolling plains more than the urban setting known for soul music. In 1967, when he was barely out of high school, Seger assisted him in getting management and a record deal. Even Seger’s iconic single “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man,” which seems to be a spiritual forerunner to the work Frey would later create with the Eagles, features a young version of the song performed by the musician.
Another more unexpected person, according to Frey, who influenced the group’s choice to continue after seemingly reaching the pinnacle of achievement during their early years was Joni Mitchell. The two famously dated in the first part of the decade. She is also said to have written “Help Me” about him. Strangely, the public learned about her influence after the band broke up and years before they released Hotel California, their true masterpiece, in 1976. It acts as a reminder that more needs to be done on behalf of artists at all times.
In a 1974 interview with Crawdaddy! for The Guardian, Frey talked about how the relentless Mitchell had been a huge “inspiration” for him and his group. “I mean, shit, here I am on the road in LA, my home!” he exclaimed. I live on the streets, all of my furniture is in storage, and I am fully aware of that. And I wish to continue being as sharp as possible. Joni Mitchell has been an inspiration, for sure. It is feasible. You can continue. You don’t have to stop being active at 27.
Although it’s difficult to envision the Eagles without Frey, the group might not have achieved their current cultural influence without the outspoken Mitchell. Mitchell once called partner Henley a “jerk.”
