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Eagles guitarist and founding member Glenn Frey, an American rocker whose band dominated charts throughout the 1970s with hits such as "Hotel California," died Monday, the group said, according to AFP Relax News.

"It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our comrade, Eagles founder, Glenn Frey, in New York City on Monday," the Grammy Award-winning band wrote on its website.

Frey died of complications from rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis and pneumonia, The Eagles said.

"We are all in a state of shock, disbelief and profound sorrow," fellow Eagle Don Henley said in a statement.

"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."

The Eagles, fronted by Frey and drummer-vocalist Henley, dominated the American rock charts throughout the 1970s with hits including "Take It Easy," "One of These Nights" and "Hotel California" -- songs that endure as cover-band classics to this day.