Eagles‘ Glenn Frey Found Second Act Through ‘Miami Vice’ role Inspired by Hit Song
Glenn Frey, best known as a founding member of the Eagles, unexpectedly launched an acting career thanks to the success of his 1984 solo single, “Smuggler’s Blues.” Tho the Eagles never officially disbanded – Frey described their separations as “an extremely long vacation” – individual members pursued solo projects. Frey released No Fun Aloud in 1984, the first official solo album from an Eagles member, predating solo work from Joe Walsh adn Don Henley.
While songs like “The Heat is On” (from Beverly Hills Cop) and “You Belong to the City” (from the Miami Vice soundtrack) initially garnered attention from his solo work, it was “Smuggler’s Blues” that proved pivotal. The song, a departure from the downtempo ballads on The Allnighter, detailed the exploits of drug smugglers and caught the attention of Miami Vice creator Michael Mann.
Mann didn’t ask Frey about his acting ability,but instead proposed an episode storyline based on “Smuggler’s Blues,” offering Frey the role of Jimmy. Frey accepted,and the experience ignited a passion for acting.”I was contacted when I was filming the video for ‘Smuggler’s Blues’,” Frey later said. “Miami Vice was filming its first episode, and they wanted to get the show somehow involved in the video. michael [Mann] sat down with me…and explained to me his concept of an episode based on ‘Smuggler’s Blues’. ‘You’re going to play this guy Jimmy, and you’ll be great.'”
Frey proved a capable actor,taking on subtle roles throughout his career. He later appeared in Jerry Maguire (1996) as a businessman who stands up to tom Cruise’s character, a role many consider one of his most memorable. Despite his acting success, Frey ultimately rejoined the Eagles for their 1990s reunion.