Randy Meisner, one of the founding members of the soft rock band the Eagles, has died at the age of 77.

The cause of death was complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Meisner's high harmonies were a key part of the smooth and easy sound that made the Eagles one of the most successful bands ever. He co-wrote and sang lead on the 1975 hit "Take it To the Limit."

Eagles member dies

The band called him an "integral part" of the group's rise to fame and success.

"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,’" the band said in a Facebook post.

Meisner played bass and sang backing vocals during the band's creative peak, from their eponymous debut album, which included "Take it Easy" and "Witchy Woman," all the way through Hotel California. 

Eventually, the pace of life on tour became too much for Meisner. The Nebraska native was also homesick and suffered from stage fright, which led to tension with the other members.

"I could have tripled my money if I’d stayed," Meisner told People Magazine in 1981. "But I was just tired of the touring. It’s a crazy life that you live at twice the normal speed. When it got to the point of sanity or money ... I thought I’d rather have sanity."

Rock legend....

After leaving the Eagles, Meisner launched a solo career, scoring occasional success with songs like "Hearts On Fire" and "Deep Inside My Hearts."

Before joining the Eagles, Meisner played in Ricky Nelson's Stone Canyon Band and Poco. In 1971, he formed the Eagles with Glenn Frey, Don Henley, and Bernie Leadon.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame paid tribute to Meisner, saying his "high harmonies are instantly recognizable and cherished by Eagles fans around the world."

Towards the end of his life, Meisner suffered tragedy when his second wife, Lana Rae Meisner, accidentally shot herself to death. Meisner had three children with his first wife and high school sweetheart, Jennifer Lee Barton.

His former bandmate, Don Felder, called him the "sweetest man in the music business." RIP.