I'm slow on the uptake--I just discovered this site. Randy was once married to my sister. He was a terrific brother-in-law; especially kind to a little kid. Helped me buy my first drum set when I was 10. Randy had diabetes (type 1, I believe) and it affected his eyes, kidneys--even his bass playing (hand problems). He was an excellent bass player. He started piano lessons when he was 5 and he once told me that was his musical foundation. I remember he used to play Vanilla Fudge tunes on an organ in his parents' basement in Tinley Park. When he was a teenager, he was in a band called The Troys. They put out a single 45-Take Care (A)and Got to Fit You Into My Life (B). Both listenable songs. "Take Care" is still available on the web. Then he helped put together Zazu. Originally named Zazu Pitts (after the actress in the 50's TV series, "My Little Marjorie"), but they were called on it by the lawyers, so they shortened it to Zazu. They only put out one album, but it's great. He started Mak'n Music in Homewood, IL. in the mid-70s. Sold the business to Greg, who moved it up to the West Loop. Greg sold it about 8 years ago. Had turned it into a fantastic guitar store. I still have the guitar I bought from him in 1979. Randy made the S.D. Curlee (guitar and bass) in Matteson, IL. I think he was one of the first to actually license his guitar with Japanese manufacturers, rather than just discovering one day they copied it. As mentioned earlier, Randy stayed in the music business until his death a few years ago--complications from his diabetes. I really looked up to Randy. You couldn't find a cooler brother-in-law! Also, he was smart (had a business degree from what was then called U of I-Circle) and had a great sense of humor. He opened up the world of music to me, and I'm glad to see that he touched the lives of so many with his guitars and his music. He would be happy about that.
