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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZCRAWFORD, Randy(b Veronica Crawford, 18 Feb. '52, Macon GA) US soul singer, more popular in UK than USA, with eleven top 75 entries UK '79--84; incredibly, no solo showing in US Hot 100 at all through '84; sang with Crusaders on their biggest hit 'Streetlife' '79 (no. 36 USA, 5 UK), duet with Rick Springfield 'Taxi Dancing' '84 (from film Hard To Hold) was no. '59. Solos 'Imagine', 'Nightline' both made black singles chart USA '83, charted UK. One of five children; family moved to Cincinnati OH '53; early musical infl. in church, but performed in clubs at 15 with father as chaperon. First engagement with band incl. William 'Bootsy' Collins, then joined jazz trio, where she learned some piano (useful when she paid her own way on holiday in St Tropez). Appeared on TV, recommended to LA booking agent; performed with George Benson in NYC, during that residency met Cannonball Adderley and later appeared on concept LP Big Man with his band, released after his death. Signed by WB after appearance at World Jazz Association gala concert in LA. Subsequent output mainly jazz-based, but reached UK top 20 three times '80--81 with 'One Day I'll Fly Away', 'You Might Need Somebody', 'Rainy Night In Georgia', six minor hits '82-- 3. The really big break eluded her, but her superb voice had many fans: LPs on WB incl. Everything Must Change, Miss Randy Crawford and Raw Silk; began charting in USA with Now We May Begin '80, Secret Combination '81 (highest entry at no. 72), Windsong '82 (all top ten UK), Nightline '83, Abstract Emotions '86, Rich And Poor '89; she left the pop album chart but carried on with Through The Eyes Of Love '92, Don't Say It's Over '93; switched to Bluemoon for Naked And True '95 with Collins and a large cast, apparently recorded in Europe. |