Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Deacon Frey Is Excelling In His Role As His Father’s Successor

Who is Deacon Frey?
by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

Being the founding member of the rock band the Eagles, one can tell that Glenn Frey is irreplaceable. However, if anyone is fit to succeed him, it’s definitely going to be his son Deacon Frey.

And he proves to do so when he’s taken over his legendary father’s role in the years since Glen Frey died in 2016. It was as much a surprise to fans with the fact that the band decided to continue even with the elder Frey’s death.

Deacon Frey then made such a promising debut — in front of 55,000 concertgoers during the Classic West concert in Los Angeles in July 2017. 

Don Henley, Eagles’ drummer and co-lead vocalist, said he was impressed by how Deacon Frey composed himself at that moment. He was only 24 years old then and had only played for 150 people. It’s amazing how he decided to “pick up the torch and carry it forward” instead of just living in his father’s shadow.

His Role As His Father’s Rational And Emotional Successor 

Don Henley added that looking out to where Glenn Frey’s son was standing, you can’t deny that the way he’s sporting his long hair and a mustache is reminiscent of the late Frey’s in 1976. Though Deacon is taller, Henley finds it “freaky” just by looking at him from the back.

Moreover, Deacon has also made his record debut with the iconic group on their live album, where he sang lead in place of his father on one of Glenn’s signature songs, “Take it Easy.”

Deacon Frey’s “Take It Easy” shows off the younger Frey’s vocal, which is absolutely a dead ringer for his father. At the same time, he proves Deacon is more than capable of bringing in the song to the highest professional specifications that have always been the Eagles’ trademark.

What We Know About The Younger Frey

Deacon was born on April 17, 1993, which makes him 28 years old today. His mother is dancer and choreographer Cindy Millican – whom Glenn Frey married in 1990. He has two more siblings: Taylor and Otis.

Making music is an inseparable part of Deacon’s life. Of course, music was a mainstay in his home in Los Angeles, where he grew up. Deacon recalled how they always had great records all over their house, and his parents would always listen to “really good music.” He believes that the songs his parents would play for him surely had a big effect – though his own tastes of music drifted towards soul music and Steely Dan. 

Deacon started playing the guitar – which was a Christmas present to him – when he was only seven years old. And since then, the young artist “pretty much played music,” taking lessons for about three years. He kept playing and teaching himself after that.

When he was ten years old, Deacon became deeply aware of how legendary his father was. He began going to his father’s shows – not just as a kid running around the backstage, but to watch his father do it. Deacon remembers how eye-opening it was, thinking of it as “pretty crazy.”

But his father’s music never pushed him; he generally educated himself with the band – listening to it on his own time – and as a solo artist. Still, his father would give him some tips, especially once he started spreading his wings. 

On the other hand, Deacon’s life outside the band Eagles is still quite a mystery! In fact, there has never been any information about Deacon being married or having a girlfriend.

But one thing is for sure, several years into his tenure with his late father’s band, Deacon Frey finds things relatively peaceful and easy at the same time, surreal. He said that though it’s a little crazy, he is trying to stay grounded as much as he can and remember exactly what he’s doing – and that’s not trying to be his father.

Well, with his easy-going demeanor and killer vocals, it was no longer a surprise why Deacon Frey won over crowds. We know his father is proud of him!

Trending

Latest Stories

Craig Morgan delivering an emotional performance of 'The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost' on The Kelly Clarkson Show, moving the audience to tears as he honors his son's memory.

Craig Morgan’s “The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost” Moves “The Kelly Clarkson Show” to Tears

In 2016, Craig Morgan faced a tragedy no parent should ever endure: the loss of his 19-year-old son, Jerry, in a tubing accident on Kentucky Lake. Morgan’s heartbreak was profound, ...

Jesse Keith Whitley and his son Jackie performing a heartfelt duet of 'Don't Close Your Eyes,' honoring Keith Whitley's legacy with a touching family tribute.

Jesse Keith Whitley and Son Jackie Duet “Don’t Close Your Eyes” in a Heartfelt Tribute

At Lorrie Morgan’s Spicy Hot Chicken Coop in Panama City Beach, Florida, fans were treated to a magical evening when Jesse Keith Whitley performed his father’s iconic song “Don’t Close ...

Patsy Cline and Willie Nelson brought together through modern technology for a duet of 'Just a Closer Walk with Thee,' blending their iconic voices in a timeless gospel masterpiece.

Willie Nelson Joins Patsy Cline for a Heavenly “Just a Closer Walk with Thee”

Patsy Cline’s tragic death in a 1963 plane crash left an irreplaceable void in country music. Her haunting voice, which gave us classics like “Cr𝐚zy” and “I Fall to Pieces,” ...

Vince Gill performing 'The Price of Regret,' conveying a heartfelt message of unity, compassion, and healing, showcasing his enduring impact on country music.

Vince Gill’s “The Price of Regret” Is a Timeless Call for Unity

In 2019, Vince Gill once again proved why he’s a cornerstone of country music with his powerful single “The Price of Regret” from the album Okie. Known for his ability ...

George Jones delivering his final performance of 'He Stopped Loving Her Today' in 2013, a heartfelt farewell from a country music legend filled with raw emotion.

George Jones’ Last Performance of “He Stopped Loving Her Today” Was Unforgettable

George Jones, lovingly known as “The Possum,” gave the world one last gift with his final performance of “He Stopped Loving Her Today” on April 6, 2013. Captured during his ...

Blake Shelton performing a lively cover of 'Footloose,' inspiring Texas Roadhouse staff to create a viral line dance that blends music, fun, and energetic dining vibes.

Texas Roadhouse Staff Goes Viral Dancing to Blake Shelton’s “Footloose”

In 2015, Texas Roadhouse became more than just a restaurant serving mouthwatering steaks and buttery rolls—it became the stage for a viral moment with everyone tapping their feet. The reason? ...

George Jones and Dolly Parton’s Breathtaking Duet of “The Blues Man”

In 2005, country legends George Jones and Dolly Parton teamed up for a stunning rendition of Hank Williams Jr.’s “The Blues Man.” The collaboration marked the first time these two ...

Scotty McCreery Stuns With “That’s All Right, Mama” on American Idol

In 2011, a skinny, baseball-loving teen from North Carolina stepped onto the American Idol stage and turned the country music world on its ear. Chris Piner of American Songwriter recalls ...

Scotty McCreery performing 'Hello Darlin'' at the Grand Ole Opry in 2015, paying tribute to Conway Twitty and honoring the roots of country music.

Scotty McCreery Honors Conway Twitty with Moving “Hello Darlin'” at the Opry

In 2015, Scotty McCreery stepped onto the Grand Ole Opry stage with a reverence few performers could match. Four years after his American Idol win, McCreery proved he wasn’t just ...

Alex Miller performing on stage with his signature cowboy hat, showcasing his classic country charm and journey from American Idol to the Grand Ole Opry.

Alex Miller’s “Silver Wings” Performance Earns Grand Ole Opry Invite

For many artists, the Grand Ole Opry is a stage where dreams are made. It’s where legends are born and where country music’s history comes alive. For Alex Miller, a ...