Glenn Frey celebrated in Arizona town Eagles song made famous

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- Fans are leaving balloons, flowers and candles on a corner in Winslow, Arizona, to celebrate the life of Eagles band member Glenn Frey.

Frey co-wrote and sang "Take it Easy" in which the line "standin' on a corner in Winslow, Arizona" brought international attention to the town.

Locals capitalized on the lyrics, with a sign, bronze statue and mural commemorating the song.

The city also holds its Standing on the Corner festival each year. Frey died Monday at 67.

Winslow residents are planning a memorial service on Tuesday night that will feature Eagles songs.

On Monday, Frey's family released a statement on his website, confirming his death.

"Glenn fought a courageous battle for the past several weeks but, sadly, succumbed to complications from Rheumatoid Arthritis, Acute Ulcerative Colitis and Pneumonia. The Frey family would like to thank everyone who joined Glenn to fight this fight and hoped and prayed for his recovery. 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."

Frey was lead vocalist on the Eagles' breakthrough hit, "Take It Easy," a song mostly written by Jackson Browne that came out in 1972. His other showcases included "Peaceful Easy Feeling," ''Already Gone" and "New Kid in Town."

Bandmate Don Henley said, "He was like a brother to me ... 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."

Frey underwent surgery in November. The Eagles were supposed to play at the Kennedy Center Honors on Dec. 6, but canceled because of Frey's declining health. At the time, the band released a statement saying Frey "has had a recurrence of previous intestinal issues, which will require major surgery and a lengthy recovery period."

Frey co-founded the Eagles with Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit in 1971, releasing their first studio album, "Eagles," in 1972.