It is with a heavy heart that we report the loss of Randy Meisner, the original bassist and a founding member of the revered band, The Eagles.

Meisner, known for his high harmonies in much-loved classics such as “Take It Easy” and “The Best of My Love,” and for his powerful lead in the waltz-style ballad “Take It to the Limit,” passed away on Wednesday evening in Los Angeles, as per the band’s announcement made on Thursday.

According to the band’s statement, Meisner succumbed to complications resulting from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at the age of 77.

His later years were marred by health troubles and personal misfortune, notably, the tragic death of his wife, Lana Rae Meisner, in a 2016 accidental shooting.

Court records also reveal that Meisner had been living with a bipolar disorder diagnosis and was grappling with severe alcohol-related issues, leading to a court-ordered constant medical care in 2015.

Meisner’s former bandmate, Don Felder, referred to him as “the sweetest man in the music business.”

Meisner, bearing an enduring, youthful countenance, joined forces with Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and Bernie Leadon in the early 1970s, shaping the quintessential Los Angeles band, which rapidly became one of history’s most popular musical acts.

The Eagles’ statement emphasized, “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.'”

From country rock to hard rock, the Eagles carved a path of successful singles and albums throughout the following decade, beginning with “Take It Easy” and moving forward with hits like “Desperado,” “Hotel California,” and “Life in the Fast Lane.”

Despite receiving criticism for being slick and superficial, the band’s enduring popularity is evident in their two bestselling albums, “Hotel California” and “Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975),” which, with 38 million in sales, are ranked alongside Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” as top sellers by the Recording Industry Association of America.

In its initial phase, the Eagles were considered “mellow” and an “easy listening” band, but with their third album, “On the Border” released in 1974, the band underwent a significant transformation. Introducing a rock guitarist, Felder, they started moving away from their country and bluegrass roots.

Meisner stayed with the band through this transformation, contributing to their most lauded album, “Hotel California,” but his journey with the band ended soon after the album’s release in 1976.

Meisner’s exit was ironically triggered by the very song he co-wrote and is best remembered for, “Take It to the Limit.” During the “Hotel California” tour, his growing discomfort under the spotlight led to a heated altercation with Frey at a concert in Knoxville, Tennessee, in the summer of 1977, resulting in his departure.

Despite a less successful solo career compared to his time with the Eagles, Meisner left an indelible mark in the music industry with hits like “Hearts On Fire” and “Deep Inside My Heart.”

He also lent his talents to records by Walsh, James Taylor, and Dan Fogelberg, among others. He was notably part of World Classic Rockers, a touring act that included Donovan, Spencer Davis, and Denny Laine.

Born to sharecropper parents and the grandson of a classical violinist, Meisner had a passion for music from a young age, playing in local bands as a teenager.

He later moved to California and joined a country rock group, Poco. He also backed Ricky Nelson and played on Taylor’s “Sweet Baby James” album.

Meisner’s contribution to the music industry was formally recognized in 1998 when he joined the Eagles for their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

“The purpose of the whole Eagles thing to me was that combination and the chemistry that made all the harmonies just sound perfect,” Meisner told www.lobstergottalent.com in 2015.

“The funny thing is after we made those albums I never listened to them and it is only when someone comes over or I am at somebody’s house and it gets played in the background that is when I’ll tell myself, ‘Damn, these records are good.'”

The loss of Meisner will undoubtedly be felt deeply by both his family and fans worldwide.

His life’s journey, marked by success, struggle, and resilience, will leave a legacy that will live on in the timeless music he gifted to the world.

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