Eagles founder Glenn Frey dies

Glenn Frey, founder, vocalist, and guitarist for the Eagles, one of the most successful bands in rock history, died Monday. He was 67.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our comrade,” the band and Frey’s family announced Monday on the band’s website, “Glenn fought a courageous battle for the past several weeks but, sadly, succumbed to complications from rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis, and pneumonia.”

The news came weeks after the Eagles announced they were unable to make a December appearance at the Kennedy Center, where they were to be honored. Citing Frey’s health concerns, the group said his recurring intestinal issues would require surgery and a lengthy recovery period.

In Monday’s announcement, Frey’s family thanked those who had prayed for his recovery. The post was signed by surviving family members, bandmates Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Timothy B. Schmit, Bernie Leadon, and Eagles manager Irving Azoff. The notice closed on a eulogistic tone with lyrics co-written by Frey, from “It’s Your World Now,” on the Eagles’ Long Road Out of Eden album.

Born Glenn Lewis Frey, Nov. 6, 1948, in Detroit, Mich., Frey credited Bob Seger with encouraging him to write his own songs when he was fresh out of high school. Frey moved to Los Angeles in 1968. He lived in the same building as Jackson Browne, saying he learned something about songwriting by listening to Browne tinkering with tunes on his piano in the apartment below.

Guitarist Frey and drummer Henley met in 1970 after backing up Linda Ronstadt for a gig. After touring with Ronstadt the following summer, they formed the Eagles and became one of history’s most successful songwriting teams, with hits like “Hotel California” and “Life in the Fast Lane.” Under the duo’s craftsmanship, the band became synonymous with California’s sound.

The Eagles were known for their vocal harmony, with Frey and Henley taking the lead on most songs. Frey’s voice is heard on “Take It Easy,” “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” “Tequila Sunrise,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” and “New Kid in Town.” He had several solo hits in the 1980s, including “The Heat is On” and “The One You Love.”

Frey won six Grammys with the Eagles. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. Billboard ranks Their Greatest Hits: 1971-1975 and Hotel California among the 10 best-selling albums in history.

Frey is survived by his wife Cindy and three children, Taylor, Deacon, and Otis.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.