Randy Meisner Biography
Randy Meisner is an American musician, singer, and songwriter who was born and brought up in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, United States of America. He is widely known known as the founding member and original bassist of the rock band Eagles. Throughout his professional musical career, his’s main role was that of bassist and backing high-harmony vocalist as both a group member and session musician. He co-wrote the Eagles hit song “Take It to the Limit”, which he also sang.
Meisner began his music career in the 1960s as a member of various local bands in California. In 1971, he joined Glenn Frey, Don Henley, and Bernie Leadon to form the Eagles. Meisner played bass guitar and provided backing vocals for the band. He also co-wrote and sang lead vocals on some of their early hits, including “Take It to the Limit” and “Try and Love Again.”
During his time with the Eagles, Meisner played a significant role in the band’s success, particularly during the 1970s when they achieved widespread commercial and critical acclaim. However, he left the group in 1977, shortly after the release of their album “Hotel California.” Meisner’s departure was due to personal reasons and a desire to spend more time with his family.
After leaving the Eagles, Meisner pursued a solo career and released a self-titled album in 1978. However, his solo career did not achieve the same level of success as his time with the Eagles. Meisner faced personal challenges and struggled with substance abuse, which affected his career and overall well-being.
10 Quick Facts About Randy Meisner
- Name: Randall Herman Meisner
- Age: 77 Years (As of 2023)
- Birthday: 8 March
- Zodiac Sign: Pisces
- Height: 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m)
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Musician, Singer, and Songwriter
- Marital Status: Divorced
- Salary: Under Review
- Net worth: $15 Million
Randy Meisner Age
Meisner is 77 years old as of 2023, he was born on 8 March 1946, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, United States. He celebrates his birthday on 8 March every year and his birth sign is Pisces.
Randy Meisner Height
Meisner stands at a height of 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m).
Randy Meisner Weight
Meisner Weighs 79 kg (173.8 lbs).
Early Life and Education
Randy Meisner was born on March 8, 1946, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, United States. He grew up in a musical family, with his father playing the guitar and his mother singing. Meisner’s interest in music developed at a young age, and he learned to play the guitar and bass guitar.
As a teenager, Meisner played in local bands in his hometown and gained experience performing live. His talent and passion for music led him to pursue a career in the industry. After finishing high school, Meisner decided to move to California in the mid-1960s to further his music career.
In California, Meisner initially worked odd jobs while trying to establish himself as a musician. He played in various local bands and honed his skills as a bassist and vocalist. Meisner’s dedication and talent eventually caught the attention of fellow musicians, including Glenn Frey and Don Henley.
Although there is limited information available about Meisner’s formal education, his musical abilities and success demonstrate a strong foundation in music theory and performance. Meisner’s contributions to the Eagles showcased his skills as a bassist, singer, and songwriter.
Rise to Fame
Randy Meisner’s rise to fame began when he co-founded the Eagles, one of the most successful rock bands of all time. Meisner joined forces with Glenn Frey, Don Henley, and Bernie Leadon in 1971 to form the band. Each member brought their unique talents and musical styles, contributing to the band’s distinctive sound.
The Eagles quickly gained attention with their harmonious vocals, strong songwriting, and fusion of rock, country, and folk influences. Meisner’s melodic bass lines and his ability to sing lead vocals and harmonize with the other band members played a crucial role in the Eagles’ early success.
The band released their self-titled debut album, “Eagles,” in 1972, which featured Meisner’s vocal contributions on songs like “Take It Easy” and “Peaceful Easy Feeling.” The album received critical acclaim and commercial success, establishing the Eagles as a rising force in the music industry.
Over the next few years, the Eagles released a series of highly successful albums, including “Desperado” (1973), “On the Border” (1974), and “One of These Nights” (1975). Meisner’s vocal performance on the hit song “Take It to the Limit” from the album “One of These Nights” became one of the band’s signature songs.
However, it was the release of their landmark album “Hotel California” in 1976 that solidified the Eagles’ fame. Meisner played bass and provided background vocals on this iconic album, which included the title track “Hotel California” and other hits like “New Kid in Town” and “Life in the Fast Lane.” The album topped the charts and earned the band numerous awards, including the Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
Despite their massive success, tensions arose within the band due to creative differences and personal conflicts. Meisner left the Eagles in 1977, after the “Hotel California” tour, to focus on his personal life and to address the pressures of the music industry.
Although his time with the Eagles was relatively brief, Randy Meisner’s contributions as a bassist, vocalist, and songwriter were instrumental in establishing the band’s sound and shaping their early success. His melodic basslines and distinctive voice continue to be celebrated by fans of the Eagles and rock music.
Randy Meisner Family, Parents
Meisner was born to his parents Herman Meisner (1911–1995) and Emilie (née Haun) Meisner (1911–2010). His parents were farmers. He had an older sister named Carol Meisner who died in 2005. He recalled his mother was always singing around the house. His father was a violin teacher.
Both Randy’s maternal and paternal grandparents were born in Russia though the Meisner and Haun families are of German ancestry. The Meisner family grew beans, alfalfa, corn and sugar beets on their farm.
Randy Meisner Wife
Meisner was married to his late wife Lana Meisner. The couple tied the knot in November 1996, until Lana died in 2016. He was first married to Jennifer Barton from 1963 to 1981. They have three children named Dana Scott Meisner , Heather Leigh Meisner, and Eric Shane Meisner.
Randy Meisner Children
Meisner and his first wife Jennifer have three children together named, a son Dana Scott Meisner, who was born in November 1963, and twins Heather Leigh and Eric Shane Meisner, who born in May 1970.
Randy Meisner Net Worth
Meisner has an estimated net worth of $15 million dollars as of 2023. This includes his assets, money and income. His primary source of income is his career as a musician, singer, and songwriter. Through his various sources of income, Randy has been able to accumulate a good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Randy Meisner Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Randy.
Randy Meisner Wiki
- Full Names: Randall Herman Meisner
- Popular As: Randy Meisner
- Gender: Male
- Occupation / Profession: Musician, Singer, and Songwriter
- Nationality: American
- Race / Ethnicity: Not Available
- Religion: Not Known
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Randy Meisner Birthday
- Age / How Old?: 77 years (2023)
- Zodiac Sign: Pisces
- Date of Birth: 8 March 1946
- Place of Birth: Scottsbluff, Nebraska, USA
- Birthday: 8 March
Randy Meisner Body Measurements
- Body Measurements: Not Available
- Height / How Tall?: 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m)
- Weight: 79 kg (173.8 lbs)
- Eye Color: Brown
- Hair Color: Dark Brown
- Shoe Size: Not Available
Randy Meisner Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Herman Meisner
- Mother: Emilie (née Haun) Meisner
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Carol Meisner
- Marital Status: Divorced
- Wife/Spouse: Lana Meisner (m. 1996; died 2016), Jennifer Barton (m. 1963; div. 1981)
- Dating / Girlfriend: Single
- Children: Sons (Dana Scott Meisner, Eric Shane Meisner) Daughter(s) (Heather Leigh Meisner)
Randy Meisner Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $15 Million
- Salary: Under Review
- Source of Income: Musician, Singer, and Songwriter
Randy Meisner “Take It to the Limit”
is a song by the Eagles from their fourth album One of These Nights from which it was issued as the third single on November 15. 1975. It reached No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and was also the Eagles’ greatest success to that point in the UK, going to No. 12 on the charts. Billboard ranked it as the No. 25 song for 1976.
The song was written by Eagles’ members Randy Meisner, Don Henley, and Glenn Frey. Meisner, who sang lead on it, says the song began as his solo composition. As it remained unfinished when the time came for the One of These Nights album to be recorded, Henley and Frey assisted Meisner in completing it.
Meisner’s performance of the song was popular with the audience in Eagles’ concerts, but disputes over his reluctance to perform it would also directly lead to Meisner’s departure from the band.
Randy Meisner One More Song
One More Song is the second solo studio album by Randy Meisner. It was released in late 1980, on Epic in the United States, and in the United Kingdom. The album is to date Meisner’s most successful album as a solo artist, peaking at number 50, on the US Billboard 200 chart.
The single, “Deep Inside My Heart” featuring Kim Carnes, peaked at number 22 on the US Billboard 100, and the single “Hearts on Fire” peaked at number 19, three months later.
Randy Meisner Songs | Eagles Try And Love Again Live
Top 10 Randy Meisner Songs – Ultimate Classic Rock
- “Nothin’ To Hide”(‘Legacy)1989
- “Too Many Hands”(The Eagles) 1975
- “Bad Man”(Randy Meisner) 1978
- “Strangers” (Randy Meisner With Ann Wilson)
- “Try and Love Again”(Eagles) 1976
- “Is It True?”(Eagles) 1974
- “Daughter of the Sky”(Randy Meisner)1978
- “Saturday Night”(The Eagles) 1973
- “Tryin'(The Eagles) 1972
- “Take It to the Limit”(The Eagles) 1975
Social Impact: Philanthropic, Charitable and Community Involvement
While Randy Meisner’s philanthropic, charitable, and community involvement is not extensively documented, it’s important to note that individual artists’ charitable activities are not always widely publicized. However, here are a few examples of Meisner’s known involvement in philanthropic efforts:
- Benefit Concerts: Meisner has participated in various benefit concerts throughout his career, using his musical talents to support charitable causes. These concerts have included fundraising events for organizations such as MusiCares, which provides assistance to musicians in need.
- Charity Collaborations: Meisner has collaborated with fellow musicians on charitable projects. For instance, in 2010, he joined other renowned artists, including Jackson Browne and David Crosby, for a charity concert benefiting the Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation.
- Eagles’ Contributions: As a member of the Eagles, Meisner was part of the band’s involvement in philanthropic endeavors. The Eagles have been actively engaged in charitable work and have contributed to causes such as environmental conservation and disaster relief efforts.
Randy Meisner Awards Accomplishments and Achievements
Randy Meisner, as a member of the Eagles, achieved significant recognition and received numerous awards and accolades during his time with the band. Here are some of the notable achievements and accomplishments:
- Grammy Awards: Meisner won four Grammy Awards as a member of the Eagles. These include:
- 1975: Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group, or Chorus for the song “Lyin’ Eyes.”
- 1977: Record of the Year for the song “Hotel California.”
- 1977: Best Arrangement for Voices for the song “New Kid in Town.”
- 2000: Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for the song “How Long.”
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: In 1998, the Eagles were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognizing their significant contributions to the rock music genre. Meisner was honored as a member of the band.
- Vocal Style and Contributions: Meisner’s vocal style and contributions played a crucial role in the Eagles’ success. His lead vocals on the hit song “Take It to the Limit” and his harmonies with other band members added depth and richness to the band’s sound.
- Album Sales: The Eagles’ albums, featuring Meisner’s bass playing and vocals, achieved tremendous commercial success. Their greatest hits compilation, “Eagles/Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975,” is one of the best-selling albums of all time in the United States, with over 38 million copies sold.
- Legacy and Influence: Meisner’s work with the Eagles has had a lasting impact on the music industry. The band’s harmonies, songwriting, and rock-country fusion style have influenced countless artists and bands in subsequent generations.
Legacy
Randy Meisner’s legacy lies primarily in his role as a founding member of the Eagles and his contributions to the band’s success. Here are some aspects of Randy Meisner’s legacy:
- Founding Member of the Eagles: Meisner played a crucial role in the formation of the Eagles, alongside Glenn Frey, Don Henley, and Bernie Leadon. The band’s unique blend of rock, country, and folk influences, combined with their tight harmonies, became their signature sound.
- Bass Playing and Vocal Contributions: Meisner’s melodic bass lines and distinctive voice added depth and richness to the Eagles’ music. His lead vocal on the hit song “Take It to the Limit” became one of the band’s most beloved and recognizable tracks.
- Songwriting and Co-Writing: Meisner co-wrote and contributed to several of the Eagles’ early hits, including “Take It to the Limit” and “Try and Love Again.” His songwriting abilities and musical contributions played a significant role in shaping the band’s repertoire.
- Impact on Rock Music: The Eagles, with Meisner’s involvement, played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of rock music in the 1970s. Their harmonies, memorable hooks, and fusion of genres influenced countless musicians and bands that followed.
- Commercial Success: The Eagles achieved immense commercial success during Meisner’s tenure with the band. Their albums, including “Eagles,” “Hotel California,” and “One of These Nights,” became iconic and helped solidify their status as one of the most successful rock bands of all time.
- Cultural Influence: The Eagles’ music, featuring Meisner’s contributions, became a cultural touchstone, resonating with audiences worldwide. Their songs continue to be played on the radio, covered by other artists, and cherished by fans across generations.
Hobbies and Interests
- Music: As a founding member and bassist of the Eagles, Randy Meisner had a deep passion for music. He played a vital role in shaping the band’s sound and contributed to their success. Meisner’s musical talent extended beyond his work with the Eagles, and he released solo albums after leaving the band.
- Songwriting: Meisner was involved in songwriting, both during his time with the Eagles and as a solo artist. He co-wrote several notable songs with the Eagles, including the hit single “Take It to the Limit.” His contributions to the band’s songwriting helped define their iconic sound.
- Family and personal life: Meisner is known to have valued his family and personal relationships. Spending time with loved ones and maintaining a fulfilling personal life were likely significant interests for him.
Quotes
Conclusion
Randy Meisner is a living example of the power of the human spirit. He has overcome many challenges in his life, but he has never given up on his dreams. He is an inspiration to us all.
Frequently Asked Questions About Randy Meisner
Randy is an accomplished musician, singer, and songwriter who is widely known known as the founding member and original bassist of the rock band Eagles.
Randy is an American national born on 8th March 1946, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.
Randy stands at a height of 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters).
Yes, Randy was married to his late wife Lana Meisner. The couple tied the knot in November 1996, until Lana died in 2016. He was first married to Jennifer Barton from 1963 to 1981.
Randy has an approximate net worth of $15 million. This amount has been accrued from his leading roles in the entertainment industry.
Details about Randy’s salary are not yet disclosed. However, information about how much he makes will be updated as soon as it is available.
Randy is a resident of Studio City, California, USA, we shall upload pictures of his house as soon as we have them.
Randy is alive and in good health. There have been no reports of him being sick or having any health-related issues.
Randy is and has been producing music since 1961, having his last music released on YouTube on 5th January 2023.
Randy Meisner Contacts
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