After Hours: Glenn Frey's Musical Tribute to Tradition and Family
Music is a passion that transcends commercial success, as demonstrated by the late Glenn Frey, who sold over 200 million albums with the Eagles. Despite his solo albums achieving a fraction of that success, his 2012 release "After Hours" held a special place in his heart. Influenced by traditional jazz and the Great American Songbook, the album was a tribute to his parents, who introduced him to artists like Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.
Frey's inspiration for "After Hours" came from an unexpected encounter with Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood at a golf tournament in 2000. Eastwood's request for Frey to perform songs from the 1940s sparked the idea for the album. Encouraged by fellow musician Michael Bolton, Frey recorded demos of classic tracks like "I Wanna Be Around" and "The Good Life," leading to the creation of the full album.
The album's release in 2012 marked a departure from Frey's rock 'n' roll roots but showcased his versatility as a musician. Despite not reaching the commercial heights of his Eagles days, "After Hours" was a labor of love for Frey, emphasizing his dedication to music beyond record sales. It was a testament to his belief that music is about expressing care and passion rather than chasing chart success.