The founder of The Eagles, Glenn Frey, was confirmed to be dead on Monday, January 18th. The legendary musician died due to multiple ailments including pneumonia while recovering from intestinal surgery. As a member of one of the best selling and most acclaimed bands of all time, his death is a majorly depressing moment in the music world.

“Words can neither describe our sorrow, nor our love and respect for all that he has given to us, his family, the music community & millions of fans worldwide.” This was stated on the Eagles’ website once the news of Frey’s death went public.

The Los Angeles band was formed in 1971, and went on to be an extremely successful force in the 70’s. Five number one singles, 150 million albums sold, and an extreme critical acclaim are just a few of the band’s accolades.

Some of the few classic and memorable songs under the band’s belt are “Hotel California” and “Take It Easy.” These relaxing ballads are ingrained as a part of American culture and it is hard to find anybody who hasn’t heard these tracks at some point.

The band also has one of the best selling albums of all time, a compilation of their most popular songs named “Their Greatest Hits (1971-1976)” which is estimated to be the fourth bestselling album of all time.

The band helped shape the years of music to come by mastering rock, rhythm and blues, with hints of soul and country. Albums like their self entitled “Eagles” and “Hotel California” are two bluesy-rock masterpieces that defined the 70’s.

After deep disagreements and heightened tension, the band broke up in 1980, leading Frey to set off and pursue a solo career. In ‘84 Frey released the classic hit “The Heat Goes On” which peaked at No. 2 on the worldwide music charts. Frey struck again with “You Belong To The City” which remained the No. 1 song on the charts for 15 weeks in 1986.

Glenn Frey’s work in The Eagles and his solo career both garnered massive audiences and critical acclaim. The Eagles have been described as the American equivalent to The Beatles because of how celebrated each Eagles album became.

The death of Frey will forever mark a dark day in music history. The Eagles had a deep impact on American music and culture, and with their most prominent member dead, a piece of American history dies with him.

Glenn Frey (November 6 1948- January 18 2016)