Randy Meisner, co-founding member of the Eagles, dies at 77
Los Angeles, CA – Randy Meisner, the retired American singer and co-founding member of the Eagles, passed away on July 26 in Los Angeles at the age of 77. According to a statement shared by the band on their website, Meisner died due to complications from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD).
Meisner, along with Glenn Frey, Don Henley, and Bernie Leadon, formed the Eagles in 1971. He made significant contributions to the rock band, appearing on some of their most beloved albums including “Eagles,” “Desperado,” “On The Border,” “One of These Nights,” and “Hotel California.” Meisner also co-wrote and sang the band’s hit song “Take It to the Limit.”
“The Eagles are sad to report that founding member, bassist, and vocalist, Randy Meisner, passed away last night (July 26) in Los Angeles at age 77, due to complications from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD),” read the band’s official statement. The Eagles also remembered Meisner’s integral role in the early success of the band and his astonishing vocal range.
Before his time with the Eagles, Meisner was a bassist for the band Poco, where he performed alongside Richie Furay and Jim Messina, former members of Buffalo Springfield. He also served as a vocalist for Rick Nelson’s Stone Canyon Band. Meisner’s music career took him between Scotts Bluff, Nebraska, where he was born, and Los Angeles.
“He was born on March 8 of 1946 in Scotts Bluff, Nebraska, but regularly returned to Los Angeles to pursue his music career. He played on sessions for John Stewart and Compton & Batteau until he was recruited by John Boylan to perform with Linda Ronstadt alongside her backing musicians Henley and Frey,” explained Billboard.
Meisner’s departure from the Eagles in 1977 led to the band replacing him with Timothy B. Schmit, who had previously succeeded him in Poco. Despite leaving the group, Meisner continued his music career with a few solo albums, including his self-titled album in 1978 and “One More Song” in 1980.
Although excluded from the Eagles’ reunion tour in 1994, Meisner appeared alongside the band for a 1998 performance at the New York City induction ceremony for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He was also invited to join the Eagles for their “History of the Eagles” world tour in 2013, but was unable to participate due to ongoing health issues.
Funeral arrangements for Randy Meisner are currently pending, according to the Eagles’ statement. The music industry mourns the loss of this incredibly talented musician and founding member of one of the most iconic rock bands in history.