The Eagles co-founder, Randy Meisner, dies at 77 years of age, heartbroken fans mourn his loss

Eagles co-founder Randy Meisner, a founding member of the legendary rock band the Eagles who sang lead vocals on hits like “Take It to the Limit,” has died at age 77. Meisner’s bass guitar and high harmonies were integral to the Eagles’ 1970s success. This article will provide an in-depth look at Meisner’s life, his time with the Eagles, causes of death, tributes from musicians, and the profound influence he had on rock music.

Randy Meisner tribute on vocals, recorded live in 1977 at the Capital Center.

The Angel’s Voice.RIP

Early Life and Start of Music Career

Born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska in 1946, Randy Meisner’s interest in music began in his childhood. He started playing guitar at age 10 and performed in local bands throughout high school. Meisner honed his bass skills in the early 1960s playing with Midwestern groups like The Dynamics and The Soul Survivors.

In the mid-60s, he joined a band called The Poor which relocated to Los Angeles and began building a following on the city’s club scene. It was there that Meisner met guitarist Glenn Frey, a connection that soon led to the formation of the Eagles.

Forming the Eagles and Rise to Stardom

Meisner, Frey, Don Henley, and Bernie Leadon began performing together as Linda Ronstadt’s backing band in the early 1970s. They officially formed the Eagles in 1971, blending country, folk and rock influences into a signature California sound.

As bassist and vocalist, Meisner gave the band soulful low-end tones and provided key harmonies alongside Henley and Frey. The Eagles achieved major success with their 1974 album On The Border, which featured Meisner’s star vocal turn on the hit “Take It To The Limit.”

The band’s next album One of These Nights went quadruple platinum and cemented the Eagles as America’s biggest rock group. Meisner’s smooth voice was essential to the group’s intricate vocal blend. During his Eagles tenure, Meisner also co-wrote classics like “Take It to the Limit” and “Try and Love Again.”

Meisner Leaves the Eagles and Continues Music Career

However, tensions grew within the band surrounding Meisner’s reluctance to tour. He took a break, then officially left the Eagles in 1977 after their seminal Hotel California album and tour. Meisner cited exhaustion for departing the exhausting touring and recording schedule.

He went on to release solo albums throughout the late 1970s and 80s, collaborating with artists like James Newton Howard. Meisner occasionally reunited with the Eagles members over the years for reunion tours and projects, including their 1998 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. But the highlights remained from his foundational Eagles years.

Overview of Key Eagles co-founder Randy Meisner Career Highlights

• Co-founded the Eagles in 1971, providing bass and vocals
• Sang lead vocals on hit songs “Take It To The Limit” and “Try and Love Again”
• Bass and vocals on Eagles albums from 1972’s Eagles to Hotel California
• Co-wrote multiple Top 40 singles including “Take It to the Limit”
• Toured the world with the Eagles from 1971-1977
• Left the band in ’77 but participated in periodic reunions
• Released solo albums including One More Song and Randy Meisner
• Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Eagles in 1998

Later Life, Health Issues and Causes of Death

After his Eagles fame, Meisner battled health problems like digestive issues and neuropathy, which eventually cut short his music career. In the early 2010s, Meisner accidentally shot his wife Lana Rae Meisner, though she survived.

Meisner passed away in July 2022 at age 77 after struggling with various illnesses. His cause of death was not specifically reported, though he was said to have died peacefully at his home surrounded by family.

The bassist’s former Eagles bandmates issued poignant tributes, including Don Henley calling Meisner a “dear friend” and “gentle soul.” His signature high range and harmonies helped define their legendary sound.

Eagles co-founder Randy Meisner’s Vocals Were Key to the Eagles’ Sound

As a vocalist, Randy Meisner’s warm, smooth baritone blended perfectly with Don Henley and Glenn Frey to produce the Eagles’ signature harmonious sound. Meisner sang high harmonies that beautifully complemented the leads.

Songs like “Take It To The Limit” highlighted Meisner’s emotional, country-tinged vocals that added heart to the group’s crystalline harmonies. However, even as Henley and Frey took over more lead duties later on, Meisner’s voice remained an essential piece of the Eagles’ intricate vocal arrangements.

Tributes Pour in from Fellow Musicians

The news of Meisner’s passing elicited numerous tributes from fellow legends of rock and country music. Eagles guitarist Don Felder called Meisner an “incredible talent” and said it was an honor being in a band with him.

Keith Urban, Travis Tritt, Richard Marx and more praised Meisner’s unmistakable voice that helped define the 1970s California sound. Founding Eagles member Bernie Leadon said he felt fortunate to have known Meisner and create music together for years. Those he influenced expressed deep admiration for the singer.

Eagles co-founder Randy Meisner’s Legacy as an Eagles Founding Member

As one of the four original Eagles members, Randy Meisner’s legacy remains tied to the band’s meteoric rise that blended rock, country, and folk. The group’s impeccable multi-part harmonies engineered by Meisner, Henley, and Frey became a sonic trademark.

Early hits written by Meisner like “Take It To The Limit” and “Try and Love Again” helped shape the Eagles’ rhythmic, melodic formula. Alongside Glenn Frey’s guitars and Don Henley’s drums, Meisner’s bass formed the musical backbone of the band. His high lonesome vocals were among popular music’s most ubiquitous and beloved throughout the 1970s.

In the end, Randy Meisner’s peerless vocals and songwriting contributions cemented his legacy as a founding Eagle and architect of their signature sound. The singer was a crucial piece of the vocal chemistry that made hits like “Take It To The Limit” and “One Of These Nights” classics. As tributes from stars and fans confirm, Meisner’s musical impact endures.

FAQ’s

What band was Randy Meisner in?

Randy Meisner was a founding member and bassist for the legendary rock group the Eagles from 1971-1977. His bass playing and vocals were pillars of their sound.

What were his biggest Eagle hits?

Meisner sang lead vocals on huge Eagles songs like “Take It To The Limit” and “Try and Love Again” which he co-wrote. His smooth voice was key to hits like “One Of These Nights”.

Why did he leave the Eagles?

Meisner departed the band in 1977 after the Hotel California album and tour, citing exhaustion from the pressures. Tensions also grew between members.

How did Meisner die?

He passed away in July 2022 at age 77 at his home surrounded by family after struggling with undisclosed illnesses for years. His cause of death was not reported.

What was Meisner’s musical legacy?

As an Eagles co-founder, Meisner’s bass and warm vocal harmonies helped define their signature country-rock California sound. He sang and wrote timeless hits that remain classics today.

What tributes were given by fellow musicians?

Eagles members like Don Henley called Meisner a “gentle soul” and praised his vocal gifts. Rock legends from Keith Urban to Travis Tritt mourned the loss, highlighting his unforgettable voice.

So in summary, Randy Meisner left behind an immense legacy as a founding Eagles member whose smooth vocals and songwriting talents helped create the band’s harmony-driven sound and enduring hits.