Randy Meisner, founding member of L.A. rock band the Eagles, dies at 77

Randy Meisner, a founding member of the L.A. rock band the Eagles, who co-wrote and sang lead on the group’s enduring hit “Take It to the Limit,” died on Wednesday at age 77 due to complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to a statement released on the band’s website.

“Randy was an integral part of the Eagles and instrumental in the early success of the band,” the Eagles said Thursday. “His vocal range was astonishing, as is evident on his signature ballad, ‘Take It to the Limit.’”

Blessed with a sweet, soulful voice and a flair for mellow melodies, Meisner helped shape the sound of country-rock in the early 1970s, first as a member of Poco, then as the bassist for the Eagles, which he co-founded in 1971 alongside Glenn Frey, Don Henley and Bernie Leadon. Meisner was a steady presence on the group’s classic ‘70s albums, contributing at least one lead vocal and co-writing credit on each record through 1976’s blockbuster “Hotel California.”

“Take It to the Limit,” from the band’s 1975 LP “One of These Nights,” reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Internal band tensions and ill health led Meisner to leave the Eagles upon the conclusion of the supporting tour for “Hotel California.”

The Eagles in 1977, from left, Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Randy Meisner, Glenn Frey and Don Felder.

(Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images)

Meisner launched a solo career in 1978, landing a soft-rock hit with “Hearts on Fire” two years later. After releasing a self-titled album in 1982, he spent the ensuing years cycling through projects with fellow country-rock survivors, including re-joining Poco for its 1989 reunion.

Apart from appearing with the band at its 1998 induction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Meisner never reunited with the Eagles.

This is a developing story.

Times staff writer Christi Carras contributed to this report.