Born Veronica Crawford on February 18, 1952, in the picturesque city of Macon, Georgia, Randy Crawford would later relocate to Cincinnati, Ohio, where she would spend her formative years, a pivotal period in the life of a future legend of the Jazz and R&B world, a vocalist whose talent and accomplishments would eventually bring her widespread recognition and acclaim.
As a precocious and ambitious individual, she took her first steps towards realizing her artistic aspirations at a remarkably youthful stage, honing her remarkable vocal abilities within the hallowed confines of sacred institutions and the structured framework of educational establishments.
The trajectory of her career, characterized by an unwavering resolve and an ardent enthusiasm for the melodic arts, commenced when she was merely a teenager of fifteen years, at which juncture she commenced her nocturnal performances at clubs in both the European and American continents, with her father graciously assuming the role of her trusted guardian and escort.
Randy's remarkable professional journey has been marked by the extraordinary opportunity to collaborate with a plethora of legendary musicians, a diverse and impressive array of creative visionaries who have left an indelible mark on the music world, characterized by their unparalleled talent, innovative spirit, and enduring influence.
At the remarkably youthful age of twenty, Crawford embarked upon a pioneering journey in the music industry by releasing her very first single, "If You Say the Word", a groundbreaking and trailblazing track that served as the inaugural milestone in her illustrious and storied career, marking the dawn of a new era in her life as a performer.
In the extraordinary and unforgettable year of 1979, the illustrious and celebrated vocalist, Chaka Khan, lent her awe-inspiring and powerful vocals to the legendary and iconic song "Street Life", a collaborative masterpiece with the renowned and illustrious jazz-funk group, the Crusaders.
This remarkable and historic musical collaboration astonishingly reached the impressive and remarkable peak of #17 on the US R&B charts, a testament to the song's enduring appeal and timeless quality, and #5 on the UK pop charts, further solidifying its status as a true classic that continues to captivate and inspire audiences to this very day.
Subsequent to its initial release, the song "Street Life" has garnered significant exposure through its inclusion on the soundtracks of two prominent films, namely the adrenaline-fueled "Sharky's Machine" and the universally acclaimed "Jackie Brown", thereby cementing its status as a timeless classic and underscoring its continued relevance and popularity.
Quincy Jones, the legendary composer and producer, has been a driving force in the music industry for over five decades, leaving an indelible mark on the world of jazz, pop, and R&B.
Born on March 14, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, Quincy Delight Jones Jr. was destined for greatness, with his father, Quincy Jones Sr., a semi-professional musician and carpenter, serving as his early mentor.
Growing up in a musical family, Jones began playing trumpet at the age of 13 and went on to study at Seattle's Garfield High School, where he formed a jazz band and developed his skills as a composer and arranger.
After serving in the United States Army, Jones moved to New York City, where he honed his craft as a sideman for various jazz musicians, including Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, and Count Basie.
In the early 1960s, Jones began to make a name for himself as a producer, working with artists such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Count Basie, and co-producing the iconic "We Are the World" charity single.
Throughout his illustrious career, Jones has received numerous accolades, including 28 Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, solidifying his position as one of the most influential and successful musicians of all time.
Randy's remarkable accomplishments have garnered widespread recognition, with a particularly notable distinction being bestowed upon him as the Most Outstanding Performer at the esteemed 1980 Tokyo International Music Festival, a prestigious event that brings together the world's most talented musicians and performers to showcase their exceptional skills and artistry.
Randy's illustrious music career has been distinguished by a plethora of chart-topping successes, with an impressive array of Top 20 UK pop radio hits that have left an indelible mark on the music landscape. Among these, several standout singles have garnered widespread attention and acclaim, including the unforgettable and melodious tracks "One Day I'll Fly Away," "You Might Need Somebody," and a poignant and heart-wrenching rendition of the timeless classic hit "Rainy Night in Georgia."
Randy Crawford's 1981 album "Secret Combination" achieved an impressive chart longevity, spending an astonishing sixty consecutive weeks on the Billboard album charts. This remarkable feat testifies to the enduring popularity of her music.
On the other hand, her 1986 single "Almaz" made a significant impact on the UK pop radio charts, ultimately reaching a remarkable #4 position. This achievement demonstrates Randy's ability to craft songs that resonate with a wide audience.
Moreover, in 1989, Randy collaborated with renowned musicians Eric Clapton and David Sanborn to record a memorable cover of Bob Dylan's timeless classic "Knockin' on Heaven's Door". This collaboration showcases Randy's versatility as an artist and her ability to work effectively with other talented musicians.
Randy Crawford, a highly acclaimed and accomplished singer, has persistently pushed the boundaries of what is expected of a vocalist by engaging in a relentless schedule of extensive tours and delivering mesmerizing live performances worldwide, consistently demonstrating her extraordinary talent and artistry through her captivating stage presence and powerful vocals.
Over the course of recent years, she has been afforded the privilege of engaging in creative endeavors with the renowned pianist and composer, Joe Sample, culminating in the 2006 album "Feeling Good", a shining exemplar of her capacity to effectively collaborate with a diverse array of artistic partners and produce something genuinely exceptional.
