We know Bob Seger dedicated his new album to his late friend, Glenn Frey, but that was probably because Bob says the album was inspired by Glenn as well.

Seger says the death of his longtime friend Glenn Frey kick-started his new album, I Knew You When, which was released on Friday.

Bob Seger on the impetus for him recording his new album, I Knew You When. OC:…I think I’ve done.” :24

“I got this song called ‘I Knew You When’ and it really fits because I met Glenn in 1966 and we became really good friends. He was probably my best friend outside of my band and crew in music – you know, my best musician friend. And we stayed in touch all those years and I just wanted to do a record that honored his memory and I that’s what I think I’ve done.”

Seger also honored Glenn with a song on the deluxe version of the album titled “Glenn Song.”

Frey died in January of 2016.

Though Glenn found success with the Eagles and Seger on his own, they did work together occasionally. Frey sang background vocals on “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man,” Seger’s first song to gain national recognition. And, along with Don Henley and J.D. Souther, they co-wrote the Eagles’ hit “Heartache Tonight.”