Randy Meisner: Eagles Founding Member, Dies at 77
Founding Eagles bassist/singer Randy Meisner has died at age 77, according to the Eagles’ official website. They posted the following: “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). As the original bass player for the pioneering country-rock group, Poco, Randy was at the forefront of the musical revolution that began in Los Angeles, in the late 1960s. In 1971, Randy, along with Glenn Frey, Don Henley, and Bernie Leadon, formed the Eagles and contributed to the band’s albums, Eagles, Desperado, On The Border, One of These Nights, and Hotel California. He was inducted with the Eagles into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.”
That statement continued: “Randy was an integral part of the Eagles and instrumental in the early success of the band. His vocal range was astonishing, as is evident on his signature ballad, ‘Take It to the Limit.'” Meisner left the Eagles in 1977 after the huge success of the Hotel California album, and was replaced by Timothy B. Schmit, the same person who replaced him in Poco.
What Eagles Songs Did He Sing?
Besides “Take It To The Limit,” Meisner sang “Most Of Us Are Sad,” “Take The Devil” and “Tryin'” from the Eagles’ 1972 debut album. He sang “Certain Kind Of Fool” from 1973’s Desperado, as well as “Saturday Night,” which also featured Don Henley’s lead vocals. On 1974’s On The Border, he sang “Midnight Flyer,” “Is It True?” and with Henley and guitarists Glenn Frey and Bernie Leadon, “On The Border.” On 1975’s One Of These Nights, he sang “Too Many Hands” and “Take It To The Limit.” Finally, on 1976’s Hotel California, he sang “Try and Love Again.”
After leaving the Eagles, he released solo albums and formed a few other bands, but none came close to the Eagles’ success. He wasn’t invited to participate in the band’s reunion, which has been going on since 1994, although he performed with them at their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. The Eagles did invite him to participate in their 2013 tour, but he was unable to do so due to health issues.
According to the Eagles’ statement, funeral arrangements are pending.
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