FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) – Winslow, Arizona, was all but forgotten when Interstate 40 displaced Route 66 and began whisking travelers around its downtown in the late 1970s.
But it still had one thing going for it: Everybody wanted to stand on a corner in the small city after hearing Glenn Frey and the Eagles make it sound so cool in “Take It Easy.”
Locals capitalized on the lyrics with an annual festival and park featuring a statue and mural commemorating the 1972 song.
Frey died Monday at 67. Winslow residents were planning a memorial service Tuesday night that will feature Eagles songs and likely dancing in the street.
“All are on the same page of being grateful for the music,” said Tom McCauley, part of a foundation that organizes the annual Standin’ on the Corner Festival. “The Eagles is one of the greatest rock and roll bands, and Glenn Frey is certainly one of the most iconic performers ever.”