“What made the Eagles great was the combination of Frey’s urban smarts and Henley’s country kind of idealism,” said Eliot. “Together they formed the basis of what came to be known as the California sound. It was a little bit rock, country, R&B, all done with superior songwriting and great musicianship.”

In addition to handling guitar, Frey occasionally played piano and keyboards and also shared primary vocal duties with drummer Don Henley. He sang lead on some of the band’s most popular songs, including “Take it Easy,” “Tequila Sunrise,” and “Peaceful Easy Feeling.”

One of the best-selling bands of all time and to this day a constant presence on classic rock radio, the Eagles have sold over 150 million records worldwide. They have five No. 1 singles, six Grammy Awards, five American Music Awards, and six No. 1 albums to their name.

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Their album, “Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975,” is the second best-selling record of all time in the United States.

In addition to being a musician, Frey was also a producer, actor, and painter.

“He had an encyclopedic knowledge of popular music and a work ethic that wouldn’t quit. He was funny, bullheaded, mercurial, generous, deeply talented and driven,” Henley said in a statement released separately from the band.

“I know that crossing paths with Glenn Lewis Frey in 1970 changed my life forever, and it eventually had an impact on the lives of millions of other people all over the planet. … I will be grateful, every day, that he was in my life. Rest in peace, my brother. You did what you set out to do, and then some,” said Henley.

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