Founding member of the Eagles, Randy Meisner, passed away at the age of 77 due to complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the band announced on their official Facebook page. Meisner was a key figure in the Eagles' early achievements, renowned for his impressive vocal range, particularly showcased in his signature ballad, "Take It to the Limit."

Meisner joined Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and Bernie Leadon in the 1970s as the band's primary bassist. The Eagles' music evolved from country rock to hard rock, generating a string of successful singles and albums throughout the following decade. Hits included "Take It Easy," "Desperado," "Hotel California," and "Life In the Fast Lane," among others. Despite facing criticism for their polished sound, the Eagles released two of the most commercially triumphant albums ever: "Hotel California" and "Their Greatest Hits (1971-1975)."

During the "Hotel California" tour, Meisner struggled with illness and homesickness, coupled with the breakdown of his first marriage. He expressed reluctance to perform "Take It to the Limit" despite it being a showcase for his distinctive vocal talent. A disagreement with Glenn Frey during a 1977 concert in Knoxville, Tennessee, led to Meisner's departure from the band shortly thereafter. Timothy B. Schmit replaced him and remained with the group for decades alongside Henley, Walsh, and Frey (who passed away in 2016).

Following his exit from the Eagles, Meisner pursued a solo career. While he didn't achieve the same level of commercial success, he had hits with "Hearts On Fire" and "Deep Inside My Heart." He also contributed to recordings by artists such as Walsh, James Taylor, and Dan Fogelberg. Meisner's first marriage to his high school sweetheart, Jennifer Lee Barton, lasted from 1963 to 1981 and produced three children. He later married Lana Rae in 1996, a marriage that lasted until her death in 2016.

Reflecting on the Eagles' legacy in 2016, Meisner emphasized the enduring quality of their music and the meticulous effort put into their recordings, especially "Hotel California." Canadian guitarist Randy Bachman paid tribute to Meisner on Twitter, highlighting his talent as a singer, songwriter, and bassist.