Country Artists And Industry Mourn The Eagles’ Glenn Frey

Glenn Frey. Photo: GlennFrey.com

Country stars and Nashville industry reacted to the unexpected passing of The Eagles’ Glenn Frey with social media comments, some included below. Frye passed away in New York City on Monday, Jan. 18, due to reported complications from rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis and pneumonia. He was 67.

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Don Henley: He was like a brother to me; we were family, and like most families, there was some dysfunction. But, the bond we forged 45 years ago was never broken, even during the 14 years that the Eagles were dissolved. We were two young men who made the pilgrimage to Los Angeles with the same dream: to make our mark in the music industry — and with perseverance, a deep love of music, our alliance with other great musicians and our manager, Irving Azoff, we built something that has lasted longer than anyone could have dreamed. But, Glenn was the one who started it all. He was the spark plug, the man with the plan. 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. He loved his wife and kids more than anything. We are all in a state of shock, disbelief and profound sorrow. We brought our two-year History of the Eagles Tour to a triumphant close at the end of July and now he is gone. I’m not sure I believe in fate, but 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. It will be very strange going forward in a world without him in it. But, 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.

Irving Azoff (to TheWrap): I wouldn’t have been the success that I’ve been without Glenn Frey teaching me, leading me and supporting me for over 40 years. He was a passionate family man, a great father, a great humanitarian, and he’s gone way too soon. (To Billboard): I can’t believe he’s gone. I can’t believe everything we accomplished. It was a staggering body of work and just an amazing run. I don’t think there will ever be another American band [that’s] as successful.

JD Souther: Glenn Frey was my first songwriting partner and best friend when we set out to realize our dreams of making great music in Los Angeles. Our first year together will always seem like yesterday to me. His amazing capacity for the big joke and that brilliant groove that lived inside him are with me, even now, in this loss and sorrow. I will miss him every day but then…he is always here, isn’t he? I can’t say any more than that for now. The music and the love are indestructible. Rest Quietly Dear Little Brother/You are greatly loved and missed

Travis Tritt: Glenn Frey and the music he created alone and with The Eagles have been such an inspiration to me. We first met at the video shoot for my version of ‘Take It Easy’ in 1993. He always went out of his way to acknowledge and encourage me ever since. I’m a better person, better musician and a better songwriter having met him. I still can’t believe he is gone!

Tim McGraw: His music was personally inspirational, his impact immeasurable, his legacy timeless. #glennfrey #heartachetonight

Natalie Maines: Very surprised and saddened to hear about the passing of Glen Frey.
#mahaloglen

Toby Keith: RIP Glenn Frey. Thank you for the songs and inspiration to so many. Missed by all. – T

Keith Urban: So deeply saddened tonight to hear of Glenn Frey’s passing. Blessings to all of his family and the Eagles! – KU [VIDEO]

Eli Young Band: Thanks for the amazing music you gave the world, Glenn Frey. #rip

Martina McBride: Sad to hear about Glenn Frey. First album I owned was Eagles Greatest Hits and I wore it out. The Eagles were such a part of all our lives

Vince Gill: Most people hear him sing ‘Lyin’ Eyes’ or ‘New Kid in Town,’ but he was a Detroit boy. He knew what soul music was. He knew what rock & roll really was, probably more than anybody else in that band until Joe Walsh comes along. You have to have a leader, and he was a great one. (To Rolling Stone Country): He was a world-class guitar player. For a long time, Don Felder and Joe were front and center taking the lead role, but I don’t think a lot of people realize that all that soulful guitar playing was Glenn

Hillary Scott: One of Lady A’s biggest influences has always been The Eagles. Heartbroken to hear we lost another great music icon. #rip #glennfrey

Charles Kelley: one of my biggest influences #glennfrey from #theeagles passed away today. he was so young, shocked

Eric Paslay: Thoughts and prayers for Glenn Frey’s family and the Eagles. So saddened to hear of his passing.

Chase Bryant: My heart is saddened by the loss of one of the greatest!! May you rest in peace Glenn Frey..

Reba: Such a great man. So glad I got to meet him. My thoughts and prayers to his family. RIP [VIDEO]

Clint Black: Way too soon, we’ve lost one of America’s best singer/songwriters. I’ve always said he and Don Henley were America’s answer to Lennon and McCartney. Though he’s gone, his influence will always be with us.

Kix Brooks: 73 heard the Eagles live the first time- damn they were good! It was country, but it was ours -made me want to do it! RIP Glenn- well played

Clay Walker: Glenn Frey was a friend and a wonderful man…we will all miss you Take It Easy:)

Brad Paisley: So saddened and shocked by the loss of Glenn Frey. Thank you for the music that paved the way for so many others.

Sheryl Crow: Glenn Frey, you will be sorely missed. Thank you for all you gave us.

Granger Smith: Sad to hear about Glenn Frey passing. His songwriting was the first to inspire me to play guitar as a boy.

A Thousand Horses: RIP Glenn, thank you for the amazing music and inspiration. #RIPGlennFrey

Lee Greenwood: Being from California, the song ‘Hotel California’ really resonated with me. ‘You can check out any time you want – but you can never leave,’ was the greatest line ever written. Glenn Frey was a great artist and his music with The Eagles will carry on into many generations. Condolences to his family.

The Kentucky Headhunters’ Richard Young: In the 70’s, though we were a rural Kentucky southern rock band, as we are today, we met and hung out with a lot of pretty girls, made a lot of friends and fans because of you and your band, Glenn Frey. The Eagles put an air in the musical vibe and crossed genres. It was the middle ground between heavy rock, southern rock, country, and pop music. It allowed all music lovers to have a common ground. Thank you, Glenn and the gang for giving us southern rock guys, country folk and music lovers around the world something beautiful. The Kentucky Headhunters knew you were capable of being super heavy… you just went for the heart. God bless your soul for being a musician.

EXILE’s Marlon Hargis: The Eagles were a huge influence on EXILE, and they are the best live band I’ve ever seen.

Sean McConnell: I know I’m not the only one who’s been walking around singing this song for the last two days. I know Henley sang this most of the time but I absolutely loved hearing Glenn sing it on his own as well. And as a songwriter I have been blown away that this was the FIRST song that he and Henley wrote together. It’s mind boggling. Glenn, thank you for all of it. [VIDEO]

Carole King: R.I. P. Glenn Frey. Deepest condolences to his family and #Eagles.

Scott Borchetta: Glenn Frey?  What?  Bowie… now this… broken hearted…Thank you Irving Azoff for making so much happen for the Eagles. You sent them out on top with the doc and History tour. My heart goes out

Blair Garner: Another rock star has left us too soon. So sad to learn that Glenn Frey from the Eagles has died. Thank you for the music, sir. #RIP

Jimmy Carter: Shock and sadness over the death of Eagle Glenn Frey. Tim McGraw said the Eagles were his favorite all time band! Immeasurable influence

Leslie Fram: So incredibly sad #GlennFrey, #Eagles guitarist and #RockandRoll Hall of Famer, passed away Monday. #RIP

Shane McAnally: You never thought you’d be alone, this far down the line…and I know what’s been on your mind…you’re afraid it’s all been wasted time

Samantha Stephens: Rest in peace, Glenn Frey. Your music changed us for the better. I can’t stop the tears from rolling.