Randy Meisner, one of the founding members and original bassist of the 1970s pop-rock band the Eagles, sadly passed away. He was 77.
The Eagles have an extraordinary legacy that spans more than 40 years, including six No. 1 albums, 18 Top 40 hits, and six GRAMMY Awards, with the mystical classic rock staple “Hotel California” earning them Record of The Year in 1978. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
“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 statement posted to the Eagles’ site on Thursday.
During the 1960s Meisner, coined as “the sweetest man in the music business” by former bandmate Don Felder, was a pivotal member of Rick Nelson’s Stone Canyon Band and country-rock band Poco before forming the now-iconic Los Angeles band The Eagles in 1971 with its original members, Glenn Frey, Don Henley and Bernie Leadon.
“Randy was an integral part of the Eagles and instrumental in the early success of the band,” the statement continued. “His vocal range was astonishing, as is evident on his signature ballad, ‘Take It to the Limit.’”
Meisner stayed with the group from 1971 to 1977, completing five albums, with standout tracks “Take It Easy,” “Desperado,” “New Kid In Town,” “Lyin’ Eyes” and “Tequila Sunrise.”
In 2016, musician friend Linda Rondstadt recalled pre-Eagles rehearsal sessions between herself, Glen Frey and Randy Meisner for Billboard. “I remember coming home one day, and they had rehearsed ‘Witchy Woman,’ and they had all the harmonies worked out, four-part harmonies,” she said. “It was fantastic. I knew it was gonna be a hit. You could just tell.”
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