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Thread: before the bands

  1. #1
    Out on the Border
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    Default before the bands

    I thought it might be interesting for some to hear a remembrance of Glenn Frey before he started playing in rock bands. I was in the the high school band at Dondero in Royal Oak at the same time he was. I didn't know him personally, but knew of him, he was a year ahead of me and lived nearby. He played in the marching band and was known as somewhat of a prodigy. I am not sure, but think he played a wind instument-sax? I recall overhearing a conversation between the band director-a Mr. Parker-and another student-I think the drum major named Dallas-about Glenn. He was quitting the marching band, which was quite grueling, to give more time to his interest in a rock'n roll band. Mr. Parker expressed disappointment and I believe he said that Glenn would probably regret his choice someday, because of his potential as a musician. I think this stuck with me because it was kind of scandalous and unique for that time and place. It was a decidedly nonconformist decision for the Leave it to Beaver generation. There was something happening and the best part was just over the horizon. I think now that it was the feeling of confirming the cultural change that was going on-something about the power of the new and unusual music that belonged to the kids-Glenn was making a choice, as a kid, that resonated in some way with everyone in that circle. I think that this was in 1964.

  2. #2
    Stuck on the Border GlennLover's Avatar
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    Default Re: before the bands

    Thanks so much for posting that story, yrsago. I love to hear stories of Glenn in his very young days, but they are few & far between.

    Welcome to the Border!!!

  3. #3
    Stuck on the Border TimothyBFan's Avatar
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    Default Re: before the bands

    Quote Originally Posted by yrsago View Post
    Mr. Parker expressed disappointment and I believe he said that Glenn would probably regret his choice someday, because of his potential as a musician. .
    Yeah, I bet he really regrets that move!!

    Thanks for the recollection yrsago!! And welcome to the Border!!!
    He sings it high, he plays it low

  4. #4
    Stuck on the Border Prettymaid's Avatar
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    Default Re: before the bands

    Welcome from me too! Thanks for the story.

    Yeah, that Glenn Frey never amounted to much after he quit the marching band!
    ~ Cathy ~

    And I dream I'm on vacation 'Cause I like the way that sounds,
    It's a perfect occupation for me.

  5. #5

    Default Re: before the bands

    Great story! Thanks for sharing Welcome to the Border!

  6. #6
    Stuck on the Border Glennhoney's Avatar
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    Default Re: before the bands

    ...welcome..and thanks for your story............post more!!

  7. #7
    Moderator Glennsallnighter's Avatar
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    Default Re: before the bands

    Great story!! I too would guess that Glenn deeply regretted that decision to leave the marching band. But fair dues to Mr Parker recognising Glenn's potential as a musician.

    Welcome to the Board from me too.

    ps Did he look as hot then as he does now?
    'I must be leaving soon... its your world now'
    Glenn Frey 1948-2016 RIP

  8. #8
    Administrator sodascouts's Avatar
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    Default Re: before the bands

    Cute story, yrsago, and welcome to The Border! I love hearing stories like this! But I have to agree with the others that Mr. Parker's comment was pretty bizarre. You don't see too many marching bands topping the charts.

    Always in our hearts, Never forgotten

  9. #9
    Out on the Border
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    Default Re: before the bands

    not so bizarre, sodascouts. Glenn played several instruments and was in the orchestra as well. He was quitting band to focus on guitar, which was not a popular instrument with Midwest band directors of the early 60's and certainly not one Mr. Parker considered a talented student to have a future with. He was also an important member and his spot needed to be filled. Dondero's marching band at that time was almost a professional endeavor, well known and played halftime annually at a Lions game, for which we practiced all season, starting in summer.

  10. #10
    Moderator Glennsallnighter's Avatar
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    Default Re: before the bands

    Well this talented student had (and is still having) a great future with his guitar. Though I guess Mr Parker Didn't have a crystal ball at the time!
    'I must be leaving soon... its your world now'
    Glenn Frey 1948-2016 RIP

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