"Randy Meisner, Eagles founding member, dies at 77 after legendary 'Take It to the Limit' high note"

Randy Meisner, former bassist for the Eagles, has died at the age of 77 due to complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Meisner was an integral part of the band and known for his vocal range. Funeral plans are pending.

Randy Meisner, the bassist of the Eagles, passed away on Wednesday night in Los Angeles at the age of 77 due to complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Meisner had been facing various health issues in recent years, as well as personal tragedy in 2016 when his wife accidentally shot herself. Court records and comments made during a 2015 hearing revealed that Meisner had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and struggled with alcoholism, leading a judge to order him to receive constant medical care.

Described as "the sweetest man in the music business" by former bandmate Don Felder, Meisner joined the Eagles in the early 1970s, along with Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and Bernie Leadon, forming a quintessential Los Angeles band that became one of the most popular acts in history. The Eagles' statement honoring Meisner acknowledged his integral role in the band's early success, highlighting his astonishing vocal range, particularly showcased in his signature ballad, "Take It to the Limit."

The Eagles, who transitioned from country rock to hard rock, produced a string of hit singles and albums throughout the 1970s, including "Take It Easy," "Desperado," "Hotel California," and "Life In the Fast Lane." Despite criticism from some quarters for being slick and superficial, the Eagles released two of the best-selling albums of all time, "Hotel California" and "Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975)," which sold 38 million copies, ranking alongside Michael Jackson's "Thriller" as the top seller, according to the Recording Industry Association of America.

Initially labeled as a "mellow" and "easy listening" band, the Eagles underwent a transformation with their third album, "On the Border," released in 1974. They added rock guitarist Don Felder and started moving away from their country and bluegrass roots. Bernie Leadon, known for his bluegrass style, left the band after the 1975 album "One of These Nights," and was replaced by Joe Walsh. Meisner remained with the Eagles until the release of their critically acclaimed record, "Hotel California," in 1976, after which he departed from the band. Ironically, his departure was triggered by the song he co-wrote and was best known for, "Take It to the Limit."

Meisner, a shy Nebraskan, struggled with the pressures of fame and the challenges of maintaining a stable family life. During the "Hotel California" tour, he experienced homesickness and illness, and his objections to performing "Take It to the Limit" led to a backstage argument with Glenn Frey, ultimately resulting in his departure from the band. He was replaced by Timothy B. Schmit, who remained with the Eagles for the following decades, along with Don Henley, Joe Walsh, and Glenn Frey, who passed away in 2016.

As a solo artist, Meisner did not achieve the same level of success as the Eagles, but he had hits with songs like "Hearts On Fire" and "Deep Inside My Heart," and contributed to records by artists such as Joe Walsh, James Taylor, and Dan Fogelberg. In 1994, after a 14-year hiatus, the Eagles reunited and embarked on a tour with Timothy B. Schmit, even though Meisner had played on all but one of their earlier studio albums. Meisner did join past and present members of the band in 1998 for their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where they performed "Take It Easy" and "Hotel California." For a decade, Meisner was part of World Classic Rockers, a touring act that included various musicians such as Donovan, Spencer Davis, and Denny Laine.

Meisner was married twice and had three children. Born into a family of sharecroppers and with a classical violinist as his grandfather, Meisner began playing in local bands as a teenager. By the end of the 1960s, he had moved to California and joined the country rock group Poco, alongside Richie Furay and Jimmy Messina. However, Meisner left the band before their first album was released due to a disagreement with Furay. Timothy B. Schmit replaced him in Poco.

Throughout his career, Meisner's falsetto voice became a defining characteristic not only of the Eagles but also of the entire California sound. His high harmonies were instantly recognizable and beloved by Eagles fans worldwide.

In a 2015 interview, Meisner expressed his perspective on the Eagles' success, emphasizing the combination and chemistry that made their harmonies sound perfect. He admitted that he rarely listened to the albums they made, only appreciating them when he heard them in the background at someone else's house.

Randy Meisner's passing marks the end of an era for the Eagles and leaves a void in the music world. His contributions to the band's success and his distinctive voice will be remembered by fans and fellow musicians alike.

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AP Entertainment Writer Andrew Dalton in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

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