Called the sweetest man in the music business by his former bandmates, a founding member of the Eagles has died.

Randy Meisner has passed away in Los Angeles due to complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He was 77.

Meisner joined Don Henley, Glenn Frey and Bernie Leadon in the early 1970s to form one of the most popular acts in history.

He added high harmonies to such favourites as Take It Easy and The Best of My Love and stepped out in front for Take It to the Limit.

A statement on the band’s website says funeral plans for Randy Meisner are pending.