

Formed in 1965, the other members are all fellow high school students. One of his earliest bands is The Subterraneans. Glenn switches to guitar in 1964 after seeing 1960s British rock stars The Beatles perform in Detroit. At his mother’s prompting, Glenn gets some piano lessons as a 5 year old. His parents both work in Detroit’s automobile manufacturing industry. Glenn is the son of Edward Frey and Nellie Frey. Glenn Lewis Frey (6 November 1948-18 January 2016) is born at Detroit General Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A. Separately, they haven’t been very successful. Yet, as they commiserate at the bar, Frey and Henley admit they both want something more. It’s a good gig and one both musicians are pleased to accept. Both Frey and Henley have been approached by country rock singer Linda Ronstadt to join her backing band. Henley has been in a band called Shiloh but they broke up earlier in 1971. Also in ‘The Troubadour’ on this fateful night in spring 1971 is Don Henley. Glenn Frey has been considering a solo career, but a fellow named David Geffen (the manager of folk rockers Crosby, Stills & Nash) has urged him to form a group instead. He was in a duo called Longbranch Pennywhistle, but they parted ways in 1970 (the previous year).

Frey came to California in search of fame and fortune but, so far, that hasn’t worked out so well. It is 1971 and the aspiring musician is sitting in ‘The Troubadour,’ a nightclub in West Hollywood, California. “’Relax,’ said the nightman, / ’We are programmed to receive / You can check out any time you like / But you can never leave.’” – ‘Hotel California’ (Don Felder, Don Henley, Glenn Frey)
