Throughout his career, Randy has appeared on dozens of albums by his friends and colleagues. Here are a few highlights, in no particular order. You can see/hear more in my Discography .
“Someone Whispered”
Mac Gayden & Skyboat, Hymn To The Seeker, 1976
In 1976, Randy made an appearance on the third album by songwriter/guitarist Mac Gayden called Hymn To The Seeker. Gayden is best known as the co-writer of the Robert Knight hit, “Everlasting Love.” He also created the famous “slide-wah” guitar technique, playing slide guitar through a wah-wah pedal. Gayden recorded Hymn To The Seeker at Criteria Studios in Miami in 1976 at the same time the Eagles were recording Hotel California. It was there he asked Randy to sing backup on the funky “Someone Whispered.” When Randy was asked about the recording during a BBC interview in 1977, he said Gayden was “a lot of fun to work with.” His high vocals are unmistakable on the chorus. It is one of Randy’s most overlooked guest appearances, in my opinion.
Dutch single for “Someone Whispered” by Mac Gayden
“Featuring Randy Meisner”
Shortly after Randy’s death on July 25th, 2023, Gayden wrote the following tribute on his Facebook page:
“Randy Meinser, we met at Criteria Studios in Miami while The Eagles were doing Hotel California, Skyboat was doing Hymn to the Seeker, Fleetwood Mac was also there doing Rumours. Randy would come over and hang out in our studio as there was some emotional heat happening in their studio and he came to stay with us at our band house for a few days. He was a kind mild mannered guy and having some ego problems in the band, I was honored he sang on one of my songs (we both sang unison falsetto) on Someone Whispered. After many conversations he wanted to leave the Eagles, and I just said do you have a home, do you have savings, where can you find peace, and he left the band…He went thru a lot and hope he has found his ultimate Peace. A sensitive soul.”
Gayden passed away on April 16th, 2025.
“Changing”
Peter Lewis, Peter Lewis, 1995
Singer/songwriter Lewis was a founding member of the ’60s band, Moby Grape (he is also the son of actress Loretta Young). In addition to Randy, backing vocals were also provided by Billy Darnell, who was the original lead guitarist for Open Secret with Rick Roberts, of which Randy was also a member, Robin Lamble, who had played with Al Stewart, and John York, formerly of the Byrds & Sir Douglas Quintet. At the time, Randy was producing an album for the band Electric Range, which included Darnell and Lamble.
“Deliver Me”
Rick Roberts, Windmills, 1972
The newly-formed Eagles all appear on Rick Roberts’ first solo album, Windmills. Roberts is best known as a founding member of the 1970s group Firefall. But he was around long before that. When Gram Parsons left the Flying Burrito Brothers in 1971, Roberts took his place. Future Eagle, Bernie Leadon, was also a member of the group at that time and both appeared on the 1971 album The Flying Burrito Brothers. It would be the last Burritos album for both. By 1972, Bernie had joined the Eagles and Rick was making his first solo album. Leadon, Glenn Frey, Don Henley, and Randy play and sing backup on three tracks on Windmills, including the beautiful opener “Deliver Me.” In the mid-1980s, Randy and Rick would team up for a brief period as Rick Roberts & Open Secret, which later became The Roberts-Meisner Band.
Liner notes from Windmills, 1972:
“Claim On Me”
Tom Rush, Ladies Love Outlaws, 1974
Randy and Don Henley both appear on this track, but are uncredited. The album credits only “Tim Schmit and Friends.” This was due to David Geffen not wanting Columbia, Tom Rush’s label, to capitalize on the names of his acts.1 Although Schmit seems to get the credit, it’s Randy’s high voice that’s the most noticeable, in my opinion.
Liner notes of Ladies Love Outlaws, Tom Rush, 1974:
“Rescue Me”
Linda Ronstadt, Linda Ronstadt, 1972
Recorded live at the Troubadour in July 1971, three future members of the Eagles backed Linda on this cover of the 1965 hit by Fontella Bass. It was a hard choice between this song and the beautiful “Birds” (written by Neil Young) which was recorded the same night, and also features Randy on backup vocals. But, knowing Randy’s love of R&B music, I chose this one. Randy only sings backup on the track, not bass. That credit is given to Linda’s bassist, Mike Bowden. Bernie Leadon also appears on the album, but is not credited on this track.
Liner notes of Linda Ronstadt, 1972:
I highlight five more songs in another installment of “Featuring Randy Meisner” below:
I love the Mac Gayden funky song. I hear Randy and there he is being the glue that holds a sound together.
As always.
It’s wonderful to know this information. Randy was a great musician!
Thank You Jessica!