Glenn Frey, who co-founded the Eagles and with Don Henley became one of history's most successful songwriting teams with such hits as "Hotel California" and "Life in the Fast Lane," has died.
Frey was 67 and had been battling multiple ailments. He died Monday in New York from rheumatoid arthritis, colitis and pneumonia.
The Eagles had just finished a two year tour at the end of July.
"Glenn fought a courageous battle for the past several weeks but, sadly, succumbed to complications from Rheumatoid Arthritis, Acute Ulcerative Colitis and Pneumonia," a statement reads on the band's website.
Frey started his career in Detroit. He was a native of Royal Oak and used to play at a music bar at 527 Main Street, where hopeful musicians still frequent.
The Mushrooms were one of Frey's first bands. Bob Seger wrote their debut single.
Guitarist Frey and drummer Henley formed the Eagles in Los Angeles the early 1970s, along with guitarist Bernie Leadon and bassist Randy Meisner. They would become a top act over the next decade, embodying the melodic California sound.
[Quiz: How well do you know the Eagles?]
An Eagles greatest hits collection from the mid-1970s and "Hotel California" are among the best-selling albums in history.
Frey's solo hits include "The Heat Is On" and "Smuggler's Blues."
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