Randall Herman Meisner (1946 - 2023)

Born 8 Mar 1946 in Gering, Scotts Bluff, Nebraska, United States

Ancestors

Died 26 Jul 2023 at age 77 in Los Angeles, California, United States

Problems/Questions Profile managers: Scott Fulkerson [send private message] and Koreen Goodman [send private message]

Biography

Randy Meisner is Notable.

Descendant of a Volga German

Randall Herman Meisner (March 8, 1946 – July 26, 2023)

Randall Herman Meisner was born on 8 March 1946, the son of Herman Meisner and Emilie Haun.^[1][2] He was a retired American singer, song-writer, bass player and a founding member of the rock band The Eagles.

His Volga German grandfather, Alexander Meisner, a classical violinist from Grimm, Russia, cultivated his first interest in music. His mother, Emilie, was always singing around the house, and his grandfather George Haun, a Volga German from Hussenbach, Russia was a violin teacher. Given his musical DNA, it is no doubt that he was able to hear a tune and play music by ear.^[3]

By his 12th birthday, Meisner was picking out Presley and other rock tunes on a guitar, then switched to bass to play with local bands.^[4]

Randy and his high-school sweetheart, Jennifer L. Barton, were married by a Justice of the Peace in Sterling, Logan, Colorado on 23 May 1963.^[5][6] They had three children: Dana, and twins Heather and Eric Meisner. Jennifer filed for divorce in August of 1977 and the marriage ended.^[7]

From 1961 to 1965 Randy Meisner was bassist and vocalist for a group called The Dynamics. As The Drivin’ Dynamics, they release an EP in late 1962.^[8] Randy was a founding member of both the Drivin Dynamics and also of Poco, a 1960s rock band. He was an original member of Rick Nelson's Stone Canyon Band. Randy Meisner appears on two albums by Rick Nelson And The Stone Canyon Band: ‘In Concert At The Troubadour, 1969’ (1970) and ‘Rudy The Fifth’ (1971).

In late 1970, Meisner left the Stone Canyon Band and returned to Nebraska to his family, getting a job at the Frank Implement Company.^[9] He still flew to Los Angeles to do session work, but committed to spending the majority of his time in Nebraska. Then he and other musicians were offered to back and tour with Linda Ronstadt--a gig too good to pass up. The band members were Glenn Frey, Don Henley and Bernie Leadon. In July of 1971, he played with them for the first time at a gig in Disneyland. They toured with Ronstadt but eventually, they formed The Eagles.^[10] Randy, along with Glenn Frey, Don Henley, and Bernie Leadon, formed the Eagles and contributed to the band's albums, Eagles, Desperado, On The Border, One of These Nights, and Hotel California. The last song Meisner wrote for the Eagles was a hit with many and expressed a sweetness he brought to his music: "Try and Love Again".^[11]

Randy's best-known lead vocal song is: "Take It to the Limit", which he co-wrote, on the Eagles album, "One of These Nights".^[12] The Eagles and their popularity soared, along with the fast-paced and partying lifestyle, often living "Life in the Fast Lane". When Randy opted out after the Eagles’ Hotel California tour in 1977, his biggest beef was the Frey-Henley creative domination of the group.^[4]

In September of 1977, he left the band and pursued a solo career, with his first album fizzling. His follow-up LP, "One More Song" with the new band the Silverados, climbed the charts and other recording artists collaborated, including Don Henley and Glenn Frey recording harmony, ironically, for a song about a last gig. He released solo albums ‘Randy Meisner’ (1978), ‘One More Song’ (1980) (US no. 50) and ‘Randy Meisner’ (1982) (US no. 94). same title. He then released ‘Meisner, Swan & Rich’ (2001), joining forces with vocalist and keyboardist Billy Swan (who worked with Meisner in Black Tie in the 1980s) and Charlie Rich, Jr. (guitar). The following year, Meisner issues the solo album ‘Dallas’ (2002).

Randy returned to Scottsbluff to his native heritage of farming and bought an 80-acre farm to grow his own vegetables, but he was used to city life and had music in his blood. This 1995 interview also includes his parents and music from played in his home town.

He married Lana Ray Graham in 1996, living in Studio City, Los Angeles.

He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 as a member of the Eagles, with his genres of rock and country rock. He played bass, guitar, and guitarrón along with singing vocals. His record labels included: Asylum, Epic, Rev-Ola, and York. One of the greatest tributes to Randy was when The Eagles were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame and Timothy B. Schmit used his acceptance speech to praise Randy for being the one to go through the trenches in the band and handing him one of the greatest jobs as a musician on a platter in a superstar band. Not once but twice since it was Timothy who also replaced Randy in Poco years earlier. Randy took part in a reunion of his pre-Eagles band The Drivin’ Dynamics in 2000 for their induction into the Nebraska Music Hall of Fame. Those who knew Randy say he was known as one of the nicest people ever in the music business. In the 1970’s he was in The Eagles the biggest American band at that time and he treated everyone with respect.

In March 2013 Randy lost consciousness after a piece of food obstructed his breathing. He recovered after a coma, but Meisner decided he was not well enough to participate in the ‘History of The Eagles’ concerts.

His wife Lana died in March of 2016 due to a rifle accidentally discharging when moved, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.^[13]

In 2016, his friend and accountant were given temporary conservatorship over Randy's health and estate, as he was struggling with substance issues and mental health issues.^[14]

Randy died on 26 Jul 2023, in Los Angeles, California due to complications from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD).

"“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,’” said the Eagles."^[15]

Obituary

Randall "Randy" H. Meisner ~ March 8, 1946 — July 25, 2023

Randall “Randy” Herman Meisner, 77, of Studio City, CA passed away on the evening of July 25, 2023, in Los Angeles. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, September 2, 2023, at the Scottsbluff YMCA Trails West Pavilion in Scottsbluff, NE with Pastor Tim Hebbert officiating. Cremation has taken place in accordance with Randy’s wishes. Memorials may be made to the West Nebraska Arts Center or the Panhandle Humane Society. The service will be live-streamed and recorded on Randy’s obituary page viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com.

Randy was born on March 8, 1946, to Herman and Emilie (Haun) Meisner. He grew up in the Lake Alice community, where he and his sister, Carol, attended elementary school before transferring to Scottsbluff Schools.

Randy's musical ability was apparent from a young age, as he was brought up in a musical family. He learned to play the piano from his grandfather, who was a violinist. It was around the age of twelve or thirteen that Randy obtained a guitar and began taking lessons. Elvis and Conway Twitty had a large influence on him when he was young. The very first song he performed was 'Honeycomb' at a PTA meeting in 1961. Randy chose bass as his preferred instrument during high school and began perfecting his craft. R&B held Randy's heart, and he was inspired by the bassists of Motown. The first band he formed was with Grady and Doug Waugh. They were initially called, "The Deacons" and later changed their name to, "The Thunderbirds". Together, the trio put together a new band under the name, “The Dynamics”.

Randy married his high school sweetheart, Jennifer (Barton), after graduating from high school. He continued pursuing his passion for music by playing with various bands. It wasn't long after that his dreams began to call him westward to California. "For musicians growing up in the Midwest, California was the ultimate dream destination," Randy stated in the November 7th, 1980 edition of Bam Magazine. As fate would suggest, it was certainly the right move. Randy played in multiple bands, such as The Poor, Poco, and Rick Nelson's Stone Canyon Band. It was while playing with Linda Ronstadt's band that he met the other musicians who became the founding members of the Eagles. He is best remembered for his performance and vocals on the song, "Take It To the Limit." Randy was also known for his outstanding ability to hit high notes, but he was also capable of singing comfortably in the lower range. He remained with the Eagles for eight albums and became a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame along with the other members of the band in the spring of 1998.

In the years after his time with the Eagles, Randy remained active in the music industry, working on and recording many solo projects. He also contributed his skills as a bassist and vocalist as a guest performer for various artists, such as Anne Wilson of Heart, Joe Walsh, and Richard Marx. He married Lana (Graham) in 1996.

Randy is survived by his three children, Dana (Lana) Meisner and Eric (Stacey) Meisner both of Scottsbluff, NE and Heather Leigh (Emmanuel) of New York, NY; grandchildren, Amber, Ashton, Ian, Breanna, Brooklyn, Braxton, and Blair; as well as seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Emilie Meisner; wife, Lana Meisner; sister, Carol Benzel; and brothers-in-law, Art Benzel and Bob Datel. ^[16]

Sources

1. ↑ "United States 1950 Census", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6F7R-RMVP : Sat Jul 22 07:19:33 UTC 2023), Entry for Carol Meisner and Randall Meisner, April 17, 1950.
2. ↑ The Center for Volga German Studies at Concordia University|Randy Meisner
3. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Randy Meisner," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Randy_Meisner&oldid=903977169 (accessed July 6, 2019).
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1} Sheff, David. People Magazine; People.com, 12 Jan 1981; "Bassist-Composer Randy Meisner Courageously Bailed Out of the Eagles So That He Could Rock His Own Boat"
5. ↑ "Colorado, County Marriages, 1864-1995," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QKJW-MX1N : 15 October 2017), Randell H Meisner and Jennifer L Barton, 04 Jun 1963, Logan, Colorado, United States; citing reference ID 697, State Archives, Denver; FHL microfilm 1,993,304.
6. ↑ "Colorado, County Marriages, 1864-1995," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QKJW-MXKQ : 15 October 2015), Randall H Meisner and Jennifer L Barton, 23 May 1963, Logan, Colorado, United States; citing reference ID 697, State Archives, Denver; FHL microfilm 1,993,304.
7. ↑ Meisner Divorce|Fremont Tribune, 25 Aug 1977, Thursday, Page 18
8. ↑ Rock Portraits-The Eagles
9. ↑ The Lincoln Star, 30 Aug 1975, Page 6 "Eagles Guitarist Still Nebraska Homebody"
10. ↑ Randy Meisner Biography Randy Meisner Biography
11. ↑ Randy Meisner- A Restrospective
12. ↑ Randy Meisner Concert Chronology
13. ↑ "Tragic Accidental Discharge of Firearm Results in Death of Mrs. Lana Meisner"
14. ↑ Donaghue, Erin. CBS News, 1 Apr 2016: "Court battle after death of Eagles bassist's wife"
15. ↑ Official Eagles release on Meisner's death, 27 Jul 2023.
16. ↑ Official Obituary

• Father Obituary: "United States, Obituaries, American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, 1899-2012," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9JH-GNGM?cc=2367299&wc=HGS9-FM9%3A1548057101 : 15 January 2019), 100415145 > image 4261 of 6895; American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, Lincoln, Nebraska.

• Mother's Obituary: "United States, Obituaries, American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, 1899-2012," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9JH-GNGM?cc=2367299&wc=HGS9-FM9%3A1548057101 : 15 January 2019), 100415145 > image 4261 of 6895; American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, Lincoln, Nebraska.

• Schmick, Henry. AHSGR Grimm VC, www.ahsgr.org; Ahnentafel Chart for Randall Herman "Randy" Meisner; emailed to Koreen Goodman 2019.

• Interviews with Randy Meisner

• "United States Public Records, 1970-2009," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJXF-5P3M : 16 May 2014), Randy Meisner, Residence, Gering, Nebraska, United States; a third party aggregator of publicly available information.

• "United States Public Records, 1970-2009," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KT4Q-6FV : 23 May 2014), Randal H Meisner, Residence, Encino, California, United States; a third party aggregator of publicly available information.

• "United States Public Records, 1970-2009," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVMM-45L5 : 16 May 2014), Randy Meisner, Residence, Encino, California, United States; a third party aggregator of publicly available information.

• "United States Public Records, 1970-2009", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KT4Q-6FV : 18 December 2019), Randall H Meisner, 2001-2008.

• Wikipedia contributors, "Randy Meisner," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Randy_Meisner&oldid=1167476382 (accessed July 28, 2023).

• Memorial: Find a Grave (has image)
  Find A Grave: Memorial #257125444 (accessed 11 August 2023)
  Memorial page for Randy Meisner (8 Mar 1946-26 Jul 2023); Maintained by Find a Grave.