Randy Meisner, a founding member of the Eagles who contributed high harmonies to hits like “Take It Easy” and “The Best of My Love” and took the lead on the waltz-tempo ballad “Take It to the Limit,” passed away, the band said Thursday.
The Eagles stated in a statement that Meisner passed away Wednesday night in Los Angeles from obstructive pulmonary disease. He was 77.
The bassist has suffered from a number of illnesses in recent years, as well as a personal tragedy in 2016 when his spouse, Lana Rae Meisner, accidentally shot herself and died. Randy Meisner was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and had severe issues with alcohol, according to court records and statements made during a 2015 hearing in which a judge ordered Meisner to receive constant medical care.
Former bandmate Don Felder referred to Meisner as “the sweetest man in the music business” when he joined Don Henley, Glenn Frey and Bernie Leadon in the early 1970s to form a quintessential Los Angeles band and one of the most popular acts in history.
“Randy was an integral part of the Eagles and instrumental in the early success of the band,” the Eagles’ statement said. “His vocal range was astonishing, as is evident on his signature ballad, ‘Take It to the Limit.’”