Randy Meisner: Another Eagle Flies

In the world of rock and roll, there are legendary bands that have left an indelible mark on the music industry. The Eagles undoubtedly stand among these giants, and one of the foundational members who played a crucial role in shaping their signature sound is Randy Meisner. Sadly, Meisner died on Wednesday (July 26, 2023) at a hospital in Los Angeles, reportedly from complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He was 77.

Born Randall Herman Meisner on March 8, 1946, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Randy Meisner developed a passion for music from a young age. He started playing the guitar and bass during his teenage years, honing his skills and dreaming of a future in the music business. In the 1960s, Meisner’s musical journey took a significant step forward when he became a member of a band called The Drivin’ Dynamics, whose debut album featured a rendition of legendary crooner Sam Cooke‘s “You Send Me,” sung by Meisner.

Meisner moved to Los Angeles in the late 60s and was an integral part of several seminal Southern California “country-rock” bands, including the Buffalo Springfield, Poco and Ricky Nelson’s Stone Canyon Band. Interestingly, bassist, singer and songwriter Timothy B. Schmidt replaced Meisner in Poco and subsequently followed him as well in the Eagles when Meisner left the band after the mega-selling Hotel California album.

While still working with the Stone Canyon Band, Meisner was in demand as an LA session player and fortuitously found himself playing alongside Glenn Frey (who died January 18, 2016, at the age of 67), Don Henley and Bernie Leadon in rising starlet Linda Ronstadt’s backing band.

This ultra-talented nascent quartet soon left Ronstadt to form a new band named “The Eagles,” which laid the groundwork for a remarkable musical collaboration that would go on to define the “California sound” of the 1970s. Meisner’s warm, high-pitched voice complemented the harmonies of Henley and Frey, adding a distinct flavor to the band’s vocal arrangements. All three singers had an amazing vocal range and a soft, harmonic falsetto which together created one of the greatest and most recognizable vocal sounds in music history.

The Eagles released their debut album, “Eagles,” in 1972, which included the hit single “Take It Easy” (co-penned by Frey and future superstar Jackson Browne). The band’s harmonies on “Take It Easy” set the tone for the stellar tracks to come. The album also showcased Randy Meisner’s songwriting abilities with the closing track “Tryin’,” a solo write.

However, it was the 1975 album “One of These Nights” that truly catapulted the Eagles to international fame. The album featured Meisner’s writing and vocal talents on the hit ballad “Take It to the Limit,” a song that became an anthem for the band and frequently closed their shows as the grand finale. Meisner’s emotive and powerful performance on this track earned him recognition as a key member of the group and garnered praise from fans and critics alike. Meisner was encouraged by the band to take the spotlight at center stage on “Take It to the Limit” but Meisner was shy and reticent, preferring to keep his place off to the side.

Despite the Eagles’ ensuing massive success, tensions within the band began to rise. Meisner admittedly had his share of struggles, including difficulties with anxiety and stage fright, which sometimes impacted his ability to perform live. Additionally, creative differences and clashing personalities among the band members strained their relationships.

In 1977, the Eagles released the iconic album “Hotel California,” which further solidified their status as rock superstars. However, it was around this time that Randy Meisner decided to leave the band due to the mounting pressures and personal challenges he faced. His leaving marked the end of an era for the Eagles, but the impact of his contributions would resonate for years to come.

Following his departure from the Eagles, Meisner pursued a solo career, releasing the albums “Randy Meisner” and “One More Song.” While his solo career did not achieve the same level of commercial success as his time with the Eagles, Meisner’s talents remained evident, some songs charted, and his fans continued to appreciate his work.

In 1998, the Eagles, including founding members Meisner, Don Felder and Bernie Leadon, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, honoring their immense impact on the music world. Tragically, in 2016, Randy Meisner stepped away from public life after his wife, Lana, accidentally shot herself and died, reportedly after a domestic incident.

Despite the challenges and triumphs throughout his life, Randy Meisner’s contribution to the Eagles and the music industry as a whole remains undeniable. His captivating vocals and skilled bass playing played an integral role in shaping the Eagles’ sound and legacy. As fans look back on the history of rock and roll, Randy Meisner’s name will always be synonymous with one of the greatest bands ever to grace the stage — the Eagles. And for many “Take It to the Limit” will remain the Eagles’ and Meisner’s swan song.

SIDEBAR: “In 2018, with 38 million copies sold, “The Eagles: Their Greatest Hits” (1976) surpassed Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” to become the best-selling album of all time, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. At that point, “Hotel California” (1976), with sales of 26 million, was third on the list.” The New York Times

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