Acknowledgments
Robin Randall’s Continuing Hollyridgeland “Thank You’s”
This Anthology is a dream come true for me, and I think it would’ve also been for my mother, Judithe, as well. I approached this project as my Swan Song, as I had abandoned the belief that most of these songs would ever get recorded let alone actually released in their demo form. The whole process and point over the years was to do a “demonstration record” to present to well known artists with the hopes that they would “cover” these songs. Things didn’t quite go the way we planned, a few hits, and many more misses. They eventually got retired onto a self in a closet never to be played again unless I fixed my DAT machine. So to think they are all going to come to life, to be heard again, is almost more than I could’ve hoped for. This accumulation of songs is really a lifetime of work, spanning 40 plus years. It includes songs of our collaborations together and apart, with multiple co-writers or just the two of us. This project was undertaken for the love of my mother, Judithe, the memories of times gone by, and the sharing of great songs with those who would appreciate and enjoy them.
Since there are so many more people to thank, I am expanding my “Thank You’s” online. I wish everyone could‘ve been thanked in the booklet, but space was limited. However, I appreciate each and every one of you, and my list continues below…
And I apologize to anyone I may have left out!
In Alphabetical order:
Andie Sandoval - To one of my best students ever, thank you so much for singing some wonderful backgrounds on the songs. I’ll always appreciate and am in awe of your outstanding vocals.
Anna Gossett Johnson - Thank you for our co-write, your friendship, and all the support! I have enjoyed your wit and wisdom on many subjects and how you continue to always enlighten me.
Arthur Spivak - Thank you for the many years of support, friendship, advice to my students, and the help throughout the years. Judithe always held you in high regard and looked to you for advice and feedback that was invaluable to her, and to me too!
Avery Tyler - I met her in a class at LACHSA when she was one of my students. When I heard Avery’s song “Carry On,” I fell in love with it. It sounded like a hit to me; so following in Judithe’s footsteps, for the first time, I signed her song to my publishing company. I enlisted Bill LaFleur to create a cool, catchy arrangement and production. As a result, it got placed in a remastered Baywatch episode. I included my wonderful discovery of an up and coming new songwriter in this Anthology.
Bennett D. Brandeis - The song started with Bennett’s moody guitar riff and Judithe and I built a song around it. We only wrote 1 song together, but it is one I am fond of that has never been heard till now!
Bill Bergman - Thank you so much for reconnecting me to our mutual friend, Eddie King, my longtime sound engineer who was a major player on the Randall Team who was always my George Martin!
Brian Allen - Thank you for your bass tracks and contributions. Throughout the years and up to the present, you’ve always been willing and able to make yourself available, and I am thankful for the great sound! Your bass playing always enhances the songs and I am thankful to have you as part of this project.
Brooke White - Thank you for recording the song “Keep Running.” I always love to hear your voice! I enjoyed mentoring and teaching you and watching your songwriting develop in your early years.
Camilla Gervide - My excellent student, my A++ girl from back in the day, thank you for making my song about the 1970s come alive, as if I was back in school, just like it was yesterday.
Christian Malmin - My neighbor and friend who also got me around after my car was stolen, and who has been supportive and helpful in general. Everyone should have a neighbor like you.
Christina Barrett - Thank you for bringing me into modern day life with your knowledge of social media and willingness to share it with me. You helped me find the people I needed to locate for this project.
Christopher Ainsworth - Part of my Dick Grove Club, thank you for your drumming, talent & friendship throughout the years.
Craig Hara - My first ever song producer during high school. How were you so young, yet so smart?
I remember us down at “Kitchen Sync” Studios on Sunset Blvd cooking up some great tracks. Your flugelhorn solo on Isobel still gives me chills to this day! And thanks for all the help with theory in high school, considering now I teach it, you really made an impact on me.
Curtis Wollman - To a most outstanding human being, who is always ready and willing to help out, and do it with a sense of humor. Also, for helping to film the promo video and all around help when I needed it. ”Big time thanks!”
Dann Gillen - To an amazing drummer and part of our Dick Grove Club, miss you and your great smile.
Dann Huff - I totally appreciate you lending your guitar playing talents to my song; Amazing!
Dave Koz - A brilliant musician, an incredibly nice guy, super talented sax man, part of our Dick Grove Crowd from back in the day, thank you for your contribution!
David Hasselhoff - Thank you for singing “Bless A Brand New Angel” at my mother Judithe’s memorial service.
And, for always being supportive of the songs we wrote for your Baywatch show.
David Hughes - An incredible bass player, and all around great person, happy to have you on this project.
Dean Kalogris - My former MI student, greatly talented person, thank you for your vocals on “One Can Only Hope,” a very special song to me!
Deb Rogers-Sobaszek - MI student who brought sunshine into any room she entered; her golden voice and charming spirit genuinely shined in the songs she sang.
Debra Lyn Silverman - Thank you so much for the wonderful scans of Judithe’s artwork to present in all their glory.
Denise Gentilini - An amazing pianist and composer, thank you for your lovely arrangement of “The Love That Never Was”. I enjoyed working on that track with you!
DeWayne Barron - James Christian’s then roommate, he lent his cool drum skills on a few tunes and played with Venus & Mars live.
Dirk Price - A fine fellow Dick Grover, thanks for lending your guitar chops to some tunes.
Donna Hurst - A friend of Ellen’s, her gritty, soulful rock vocals helped make “Wasted Love” growl.She sang some total “Badass” vocals on “Bad Girl”.
Ellen Silverstein Violette - Ellen and I only wrote a couple songs together, but they are special ones and I have always appreciated Ellen’s lyrics and spirit.
Emerald - A former talented student of mine from the Songwriting School of Los Angeles, I am so happy I got to mentor you and as a result we worked together so well, and I’m so happy to include our songs on this project.
Engelo Charles - A former MI Artist Development student of mine with stratospheric vocal capabilities, and amazing timing and emotion, so elated to have you on “Get It Right.” Boy, did you!!!
Enrico Sesselego - I’ll always appreciate remembering your enthusiasm on a project and your Italian vibe. An extremely talented sound engineer and musician.
Gary Youngman - Seems like our families were always connected as Gary’s dad, comedian Henny (Youngman), recruited my grandpa, Al (Schwartz), to write jokes for him. When Gary was working on a film he wrote and directed back in the mid 80s called "Dead As A Doorman”, he asked Judithe & I to write a theme song for the film. He also placed some of our songs in the film as well. It was a very positive, thrilling experience for us. Thank you to wife Barbara too!!
Gioia Mia - A former MI student of mine from the early 2000s who became a doctor, and became my dear friend! She lends her sweet voice on a poem of Judithe’s I turned into a song that was just a demo, but a heartfelt keepsake for me.
Graeme Marshall - A gifted guitarist and arranger from the shores of Scotland whose arrangement of “Comedy Of Time” was grooving and masterful.
Greg Debonne - Another Dick Grover, thanks Greg for always giving your feedback, friendship and support.
Greg Randall - To my brother who pulled out all our mother’s old journals, lyric books and notes, and sent them off to me for this project despite him having health issues, he came through.
Hans-Olav Solli - The lead singer of “Sons Of Angels,” whose powerful voice soars past heaven. Thank you for gracing our songs with your spirited vocals.
Heather Cleaves - Thank you for reaching out to tell me the story about my mother Judithe and the song “Bless a Brand New Angel” and what it meant to you. I share your story in this Anthology as it was very dear to me to read it and remember what my mother wrote to you.
Jean Nishimura - I believe we met at some PRO event, but we hit it off and collaborated on a couple songs. A gifted lyricist with a never die attitude, it’s great to have our song “Unstoppable Now” included.
Jeffrey H. Zimmerman, aka Holland M. - Writing “DUI Of Love” with you and David Hesse, was a really fun project. I will always remember your hard work, wit and creativity while attending the Grove School of Music.
Joanne Vance - My stellar former MI student…Always ready to help and an incredible singer on her own. Thank you Joanne for always helping out with the backgrounds on many songs.
Joel Hamilton - Thanks for the awesome bass parts on iconic songs, you were a core part of the Randall rhythm section!
John Francis & Alan Kelly - “Edge Of The Blade” - Thank you for recording the song “Life Is For Living” and contributing to this project. I know Judithe would have loved it. John: Excited the “After Hours” tracks are finally being released.
John Strother - I’d like to thank John Strother at Penguin Recording for the baking and transferring of my old reel to reels, and doing it in such a timely way. A shout out to his beautiful doggy too!
Jon Christopher, aka John Parr - Thanks for the great guitar playing and also your help with research on the tracks you played on, truly appreciated!
Josephine Schaffert - My former MI student. Talented, a sweetheart, hard working and willing to sing a song of mine, loved it!!
Kathleen (K.A.) Parker - Long time friend and colleague, amazing teacher, wonderful lyricist. Loved our collaboration on “I’ll Choose Love.” We go way back!
Ken Stacy - We taught together at MI, and are still friends today. I am ever so grateful to have Ken’s unbelievably awesome vocals contributed to this Anthology.
Kenny James - Kenny James’ duet along with Ronee Martin is purely outstanding, thank you Kenny!
Kevin Campos - A former MI student who became a teacher and an artist in his own right. He has lent his solid vocals on several songs, both background and lead, thank you Kevin!
Khalil Turk - When Marcie Free, Diana DeWitt and I embarked on the GODS of AOR tour in the fall of 1993, Khalil Turk became the ultimate tour guide, host and super fan to our music. It’s a memory I will never take for granted, nor forget!
Kristina Nichols - Powerful rock singer, intense emotional delivery, wherever you are now, thank you for your voice!
Lacey Harris - My fellow teacher, and then superior at MI, thank you for always believing in me, and lending constant moral support.
Lance Inouye - A former excellent and proficient student of The Grove School. Judithe and I wrote a song with him that turned out as an epic power ballad that remained unreleased till now.
Laurence Juber - Thanks for your epic, stellar playing on the songs. I am humbled to have had you play on them.
Leo Unnermark & Parker Halub - My former MI students who let us all know that the 80s are alive and well in their performance, fashion and delivery. Thank you so much! And ROCK ON!!!
Lorraine Lewis - Thank you for your passionate singing on the epic power ballad “Can’t Keep The Wind From Blowing.” What an amazing recording session night that was!
Lynette Prisner - My engineer in the early days, as well as our former business manager, life long accountant and good friend. Thank you very much!
Magnus Soderquist - Always a supporter and fan of our music, never wavering, forever appreciated!
Mara Getz - Super amazing powerful singer, thanks for your vocal on “Eyes Of Night.”
Mark Baker - The three of us created a great song together, “Never be A Next Time.” It’s part of history now!
Mark Chatwin - My Dick Grove buddy, my “Slow Down The Night” co-writer, great song, miss those days!
Matt Salmons - Former MI Artist Development Student, wonderful performance you did on Bill’s and my songs, so thankful to finally release them!
Michael & Maureen Marshall - Thank you Grandpa Mike and Maureen for all your help, love and support.
Michelle Staffieri - My effervescent, ray-of-light, former MI student. We worked together on many a song, always a joy in the studio and the vocals reflect that!
Mike Campbell - My longtime boss both at Dick Grove and MI, my champion, my bend an ear. I’ll always be grateful to you, my friend!!
Monique Topolski - My friend and co-writer, we created a great tune along with Judithe on “Look Love In The Eyes.” Now, forever iconic, on the LWFL Album!
Nate Morton - A fantastic drummer for many of our songs, a wonderful guy who gets the job done quick, despite his house gig on NBC’s “The Voice”. Amazing!
Paul Mirkovich - Another Dick Grover from my past who is the music director of “The Voice” now. Thank you for contributing your awesome keys to the tracks. What talent!!
Pierre Gauthier - Part of what we called “The French Connection.” Pierre was our own Montreal version of the Wrecking Crew at King Sound Studios and also frequently played in my top 40 band “Social Circle.” His guitar playing and parts are wonderful and iconic.
Planchart Sisters - To Samantha, Gigi and Jeannie: 3 sisters who sang on many a Randall song, their signature sound was such a welcome addition every time.
Rick Huisseune - Always a champion of Judithe and I, thank you for all your great support over the years, loved all the Baywatch visits and Guy Marshall studio hangs!
Robbie Gillman - A collaborator and friend of Judithe and mine. The days spent writing and recording in your Laurel Canyon house studio almost made me feel a part of the legendary movement, what a great time!
Rob Seals - Thank you to the Owner & Director of the Songwriting School of Los Angeles where I have taught for over 10 years now and met my collaborator, Emerald. I appreciate your ongoing support and belief in me as a piano, theory and songwriting teacher for your school. I love the vibe you create there and have been fortunate to teach some great students.
Rojeh Nazarian at “A-Express Copy” - Thank you for all the many scans and copies you made for this project, I appreciate your quick turnaround, excellent service and your always present smiling face to greet me.
Ron Dziubla - To my longtime boss at MI. Thank you for always supporting and championing me.
In this last challenging year, I have appreciated your reassurance and online guidance getting us through this Covid time. I have become an expert ZOOM teacher, and I feel confident in my newfound way of teaching.
Sarah Olson - A former MI student, incredibly talented singer, songwriter, guitarist, Sarah lent her smooth and sultry vocals on several songs. Also, we co-wrote a song together “Didn’t Have To End This Way”, which has great meaning to me.
Soorya Townley - Thank you for bringing Judithe and me into your Amnesty Project. It was a whole different kind of song for us and I have always appreciated your enlightening spirit and wisdom.
Sopa Whyte - My young tween of a student who blossomed into a wonderful young lady. I enjoyed teaching and mentoring you. I am so glad I pulled the songstress out of there because the songs are very moving and wonderful!
Steve Harrell - My former A&R man, publisher, longtime friend of Judithe and I. Thank you for all the support over all these years!
Sylvain Bolduc - The King Sound house bass player, part of the “French Connection”. A really nice person, and talented beyond words!
Terri Chapman - My neighbor and friend, always the light and safe harbor keeping me “Above The Storm”.
Terry Wood - We only worked together once, but she was lovely and amazing in singing a Christmas song dedicated to those who have Retinitis Pigmentosa and have lost their sight. She was wonderful in working with the MI Choir who were doing the backgrounds.
Tim Simms - Our kids were best friends, but we were both in the music biz. We collaborated some songs and cues and he did productions for me at his home studio, including Brooke White, for which he produced her first album pre- American Idol. Thank you Tim!
Timothy White - Timothy took the original photos of Julian Lennon that Judithe eventually painted and he came over to Hollyridge to shoot some photos of us. Judithe considered him a good friend. I remember that visit very well! Much thanks!
Tom Synclair - Tom went to MI in the Vocal Program. A couple years later, I ended up seeing him again as lead singer in a band James Christian was producing. He ended up doing a version of a Venus & Mars tune. Consummate rock vocals, thanks Tom!
Troy Dexter - I met Troy through Dick Grove. He played guitar on many a Randall song and was part of that early entourage of session players at King Sound, where he was made the honorary Canadian by the other guys. Judithe and I also collaborated on a song with Troy. Great guitar work and good times at King Sound.
Valerie Bisharat - Val and I went to school together, lost touch and then she ended up at Dick Grove studying music where I was teaching. She eventually began working for Judithe as her assistant for a couple years and helped us out greatly. A powerhouse singer in her own right.
Vanessa Bryan - My former MI student with a powerhouse vocal range, the nicest person ever, so happy to have her on the project.
Viki Childs - Tony Sciuto’s friend & vocalist performing on his and Judithe’s collaborations. You really rocked it, thank you Viki!
Windy Wagner - Brought in by Guy Marshall, gave an amazing delivery on a Baywatch tune “Forever Friends” and did one other amazing vocal for us. Windy is a household name in the vocal industry now. Thanks very much Windy!
There are so many good people who have worked with me and Judithe throughout the years that they’re almost too numerous to thank. Even now, there are still a few people who contributed in some small way, but I still appreciate them, their support to us, or their contributions to our work. The following list includes some of them….
Annie Livingston, Annika Edstrom, Carmen Dragon, Celia Nell, David Hesse, David Olivas, Ember Butler, Eric Corne, Galen Senogles, Johan Arremo, Marston Smith, Tim Godwin.
Friends & Family: Nan Schwartz, Bruce Schwartz, Philly Murtha, June & Benny Elrick,Great Gran Betty Marshall, Hope Juber, Brenda, Bryan, and Corey Schwartz, Patty French, Kate Ward, Marci Diller, Susan Aslan, Claudia Decatur, Wendy Olson, Chelsea Glaze, Suzie Santomauro, Denise Larocque, Kevin McKeever. Erica Martin, Thaddeus Miller, Betty “DIVA” Munson
A big THANK YOU to the “Say It Like You Mean It” Team:
I’d like to express my ultimate gratitude to the 6 people who helped me to create this amazing recording for this Anthology, so I’m gonna “Say It Like I mean It!”…
Bill LaFleur - Thank you for collaborating with me on this tune. This song started with a clothing ad I got in an email, subject line “Say It Like You Mean It”, which has nothing to do with clothing or fashion, but I thought it would make a good title. I gave it to you and you happened to be watching a film called “The Mephisto Waltz” and got a lyric inspiration from that. That opened the floodgates of your creativity and the lyrics sprung to life from you. The music came pretty quick after, and I shared it with you and we both worked it out at the piano. Your arrangement and production is wonderful, especially the cellos, the catchy synth line in the chorus, and of course the guitars. I am so glad this song has come to life.
Marcie Free - My forever friend with the voice of the ages, I am so over the moon that you have graced us with your golden voice after 25 years and now our newest collaboration has been born. I love you dearly and so enjoyed us working together again. You said you were gonna’ kill it and you did…Thanks a million!
Jeff Silverman - Once again, thank you for ALL the time, energy, strategy, and flexibility in bringing this song to fruition. Your professionalism, knowledge, patience, and creative ideas have always been admired and appreciated. We created something I will always remember and be proud of.
Nate Morton - Drummer extraordinaire! What energy you bring to this song, and incredible groove, powerful playing, and I am in awe of how much experience you bring to the session. And, a super stellar person, too. Just so happy you are on this.
JK Northrup - You come in at the end, and in the end, you are the “Master” Jedi of Mastering! Thank you for this and all the other songs that you were willing to endure, 8 CDs worth, and still come out on top with our new tune!
Andrew McNeice - First, I want to thank you for saving all the Kangaroos and Wallabies down under, second, I want to thank you for saving all my songs from sitting on dusty shelves, on old DAT tapes and reel to reels, you truly are a life savior, and this song is no exception. Thank you for seeing this long, long project though.
Additional Thanks
Robin Randall’s Hollyridgeland Thank You’s
It takes a village! Or at least it has felt that way to create this Anthology and there are many people to thank!!
His G’Day is my G’Night : The genius and vision of Andrew McNiece
I should start with the main man whose idea it was to take all of this on: Andrew McNiece. I’d heard the name throughout the years, but an email came in sometime in the spring of 2017 from him introducing himself and pitching the idea of doing an Anthology of the Randall Collection of songs which, for all purposes, were hidden on digital audio tapes (DATs) inside boxes collecting dust and on old reel to reels that needed to be baked to work. In the changing climate of the record business and the lack of income streaming was offering songwriters, I pretty much had given up pursuing a career in songwriting anymore. So when Andrew approached me, it was a true glimmer of hope that maybe these songs could see the light of day now. I can’t say thank you enough to Andrew for making this a dream come true.
There really wasn’t any plan at first as to how many or which songs we’d use. The first step was to get them off those tapes and into digital form such as Pro Tools. My portable DAT machine didn’t even work anymore!
“The Savior” Robert Tepper: To the rescue, just like a Superhero!
This is a man not motivated by money, but by the love of music, a former collaborator and just a very good soul. One day a long time ago, Judithe and I were watching MTV and this video came on called “Don’t Walk Away” by a singer songwriter named Robert Tepper. All I can tell you is that Judithe was mesmerized by him. She then says to me, “I gotta write with this guy!” But I said, you don’t know him at all. Judithe said, “Just give me a day or two.” And that was Judithe, within a week we had a meeting with him at his Producer, Joe Chiccarelli’s house off Sunset Plaza Drive. Robert became a collaborator of Judithe’s and our dear friend through the years. He has tirelessly, over 3 years, transferred every one of those DAT tapes, and just when I thought it was over, I’d find another one. He never complained, asked for a dime, or turned me down. Even through Covid, I’d slip the tapes in his mailbox and he’d transfer them back to me. I have a huge amount of respect and gratitude for this saint of a human being. Thank you again, Robert Tepper.
Linda S. Barrett: My sweet former Hollyridge neighbor and life long friend
For being a teacher, I have to admit I am very disorganized, I think this comes from the creative side of my brain. Liner notes, bio’s and pics, tributes, track listings, IPI numbers, Publishing names, phone calls, emails, Messenger notes, etc I had to do all this in a short amount of time. And I knew just who could help me.
Linda and I grew up as neighbors on Hollyridge Drive. She actually was my babysitter, and we started a silly band called GLW’s FR’s when we were grade school age. People called the house next to mine the “Chuck Berry” house, but it really was her’s way before that. Although we both don’t live there anymore, we are still like sisters.
She has kept me on task like nobody’s business and with her assistance we pulled it off thanks to many months burning the midnight oil, take out Thai food, pizza and PB&J, and LOTS of coffee, and Monday night “The Bachelorette” as the soundtrack to all the typing going on. Linda, I could not have got this done without you!!
Bill LaFleur: Songs after Judithe, A new chapter
No one has a crystal ball, and I wasn’t sure after Judithe passed away what would happen to the music should it decide to live and breathe in me again. When Judithe died I felt like someone cut off my arm, how was I to go on? Bill and I were instructors at MI and in the mid 2000s I found him to be a formidable, like-minded person who I could collaborate with easily. He was not only a great composer and lyricist, but also a wonderful arranger and producer and the best ear of anyone I’ve ever met. The music times were changing, technology was advancing, and we also were both “back room” types who needed a force like Judithe to push the songs and market them. We both did not like the phone. So a lot of songs were born, but never got a chance. We wrote on our own and collaborated with other artists, and I am thrilled to have those songs finally be unearthed. Bill has been very helpful in organizing our liner notes, credits, and more recent recordings that needed to be collected from CDs, and WAV files. Also, his experience of being a transcriber for “The Voice” allowed him to help us
hear exactly what instruments were played or programmed on a song from like 30 years ago, from bad audio files, and destroyed tapes. This man has ears like a dog or better. Thank you Bill!!
Guy Marshall: “Guy Played Everything!”
Or at least that became the catch phrase when asked a billion times, who played on that recording? Guy took the time to not only find lost DAT tapes, misplaced cassettes, and the like and multiple versions of whatever, Guy did more looking than Indiana Jones. After he looked, he listened, and listened, and listened and told us his results which were very informative. It allowed us to have more complete liner notes, as I really want to credit the correct people. Guy’s history is long and rich with the Randalls. He is responsible for producing and arranging all of our Baywatch songs, most of my first Venus & Mars record with Diana DeWitt “Grand Trine” and many song projects between the years 1993 and the early 2000s.
Guy introduced us to the very talented Windy Wagner early on in her career.
Guy at one point was able to sing the guitar solo he played (out loud) from the song “Mother Night’’ after not hearing it for over 30 years, that’s pretty amazing.
Guy and I are still close friends and I feel truly blessed to have him in my life.
Diana DeWitt: “Venus & Mars” will come around again…
My frequent co writer Claude Gaudette came over one day having just been at a session he was producing and was going on and on about this singer he met named Diana DeWitt. He said “Robin you must use this girl on your songs, she’s like none other.” So I listened to him, and he was so right. A voice from the heavens, my main voice on my songs, she could sing what I heard in my head and from the 1st session on this was a friendship made among the stars. My partner in crime, musically speaking, my dear friend, my lifelong buddy. It’s been truly an honor and a privilege to have known her, worked with her, and spent life’s ups and downs with her. I know our lives will be intertwined forever!
Marcie Free: Love at first listen!
Judithe got this tape from someone, I can’t quite remember who, but boy do I remember the voice. I just fell in love with it as soon as I heard the first tune. It was a song called “Dream On”. One of my favorite ever singers is Lou Gramm, from Foreigner, one of my biggest influences. I heard this voice and it gave me the chills, as it reminded me of Lou. I was in awe of Marcie, the talent, the emotion, the power and I still am to this day; grateful to have had my songs come alive and graced with this incredible voice. A warm, beautiful, passionate human being who deserves all the best in life.
Steven Cristol: The song remembers when
Dick Grove School introduced me to many a talented person, and Steven was a very gifted songwriter, truly good guy and we decided to write a song together, it was the only one we ever wrote, not really sure why, but it became THE most successful song of my life. The journey we had because of it becoming a hit also taught me a lot about the inner workings of the music industry at a young age. It was truly a ride on the Starship’s wings and I definitely was over the moon during that time in my life!
Steve Zell: The “Baywatch Voice of Doom”
Although this was his own self given title, having him in my life and music was anything but…Steve sang our Baywatch songs, mostly about tragedy, heartbreak, fear and death, but his voice always soared perfectly with the rise and fall of emotion. Not only these songs, but many song demos over a decade and a half, Steve’s voice reigned supreme. Steve and I also wrote a handful of songs together and we had a cover band called “Social Circle” where we played all over SoCal for quite awhile. Oh My, the stories we stacked up, but good times. Like the time we played “Canada Day” and all our band was from Montreal and they all got really drunk. Plus, Margot Kidder came up to sing with Steve, that was a hoot! Steve ,you will always be one of my very favorite people on this Earth!
James Christian: A Man for all seasons
Again, Judithe got a lead about this great singer coming out to LA from the East Coast and in meeting James for the 1st time we knew he not only was this uber talented vocalist, but just the nicest guy you’d want to know. He is
a multi- instrumentalist and Diana and I worked with him for “Venus & mars” where he produced several tracks for us at his home studio in Burbank, boy did he make awesome coffee too! What does this man not do? Over the years, Judithe and I were graced with James singing many of our songs and I feel so beholden and lucky to have had him on those tracks!
Aina Olsen: The Goddess of vocals
I met Aina through her recording one of our songs called “Love Forever Story”. She came to LA to further her already burgeoning career. The first time I saw her, I deemed her our own Xena: Warrior Princess as she reminded me of her. She sang many songs for us, she became another family member. Aina, besides creating and singing songs, could also build a house from scratch. She refinished and refurbished all the hard wood floors at Hollyridge! She built furniture, all the shelves in my son’s room, interior designer, a costume maker, she can do it all. A master of all trades and songwriter to boot!
Eddie King: Our own George Martin of the San Fernando Valley
I took a class at Dick Grove School of Music in demo production and the school used to record at Kingsound Studios. That was the beginning of a long run with Engineer Eddie King at his Kingsound Studios. Saying the name brings back such fond memories there. Such amazing songs we created, with such talent. I call it my own version of “Sound City” or “Abby Road”. The sound of the songs were, thanks to Eddie, totally amazing. Those were some of the best times of my life!
Doug Schwartz, Deborah Schwartz & Michael Berk: My Baywatch family
Without these names, there would have been no Baywatch songs to write. I am indebted to the co-creators Doug and Michael for the opportunity to create these songs for the montages over the years written for the epic scripts written by Deborah Schwartz. These songs I feel are my legacy, especially “Bless A Brand New Angel” and “If I Could Touch You One More Time”. Both have become fan favorites and touched a lot of people around the world. I still am overwhelmed at how far reaching the songs were. I feel very thankful to have had this opportunity.
Jeff Law: Catalyst of heart break songs
I met Jeff at Dick Grove School of Music, he was in my songwriting program. We spent a year learning the craft of songwriting and getting inspired at Jerry’s Deli where we hung out at across the street. Jeff told me once, “You better get your heart broken again so we can get some more song writing material happening.” Our collaborations with Jeff spawned the great songs “The Last Time,” “Learn to Let You Go,” “Just Friends” and “If You Remember Love,” among others. I will always consider Jeff one of my life-long friends and a true collaborator.
Jeff Silverman: The Sound Guru always on the cutting edge of music tech!
Jeff and Judithe wrote many songs together over the years and they became fast, yet, life-long friends, introduced by A&R man John Carter. Judithe introduced me to Jeff, thereafter, and we worked together on the song “Eyes of Night”. Through the years, Jeff produced many songs for us and after Judithe passed I continued to work with Jeff with my new songwriting partner Bill LaFleur. Jeff is a force to be reckoned with and always on the cutting edge of sound and technology as can be heard in our newly, released version of “Tomorrow Doesn’t Matter Tonight” which has a “blow your mind” production.
Tony Sciuto: The East Coast inspiration”Terminator”
Tony was put together as a collaborator with Judithe through his publishing company. He would make frequent trips from Baltimore to California to write with the Randalls. Many of the songs we created made up half the songs on the Marcie Free “Long Way From Love” album. His famous line, each time he left was, “I’ll be back!” and we held him to it. We always looked forward to Tony coming to Tinsel Town.
Kelley Palmer: My Hollywoodland BFFF
I met Kelley in Middle School when we were 12 and that began our lifelong friendship and sisterhood in the hills of Hollywood. She has endured the planning, doing and redoing of the saga of this anthology. Her ears must be full of the earfuls I have given her over the past three years. Her constant support has been a pillar of strength to
me throughout this time. I am sure I could not have done it without her. We wrote a quirky, yet catchy, pop tune about coming of age in the ‘70s called, “Have A Nice Day.”
Nancy Krasn Gumbiner: The Woman with the wonderful words
I met Nancy through Judithe who put us together to collaborate. Judithe’s hunch was right on - we were successful in many collaborations over the years and she has remained a good friend of mine as we share the” Joy” of music and our fur babies.
Paul Lewolt: Perfect Pitch Paul
I met Paul at Dick Grove School of Music when he was a student there. Perfect Pitch Paul helped me to transcribe and chart songs for the Marcie Free’s “Gods of AOR Tour” in 1993. Paul was one of the main session players on the “Venus and Mars” albums, Marcie Free’s “Long Way From Love” album and many of my other songs. I consider Paul, to this day, one of my best friends and confidants.
Peter Knight Jr: Peter Knight in Shining Armor
Judithe pitched some of our songs to Peter’s company, which lead to getting three cuts on the band “After Hours” record. For some reason, it didn’t work out, but lead to a publishing deal and lifelong friendship with Peter. Peter was there for Diana and myself throughout the “Gods of AOR” tour, meeting with us a couple times and making sure all went well. You could definitely say he was our “Knight in Shining Armor.” Ironically, Andrew, with Peter’s help, has secured the sound recording rights to finally release the 1991 tracks of “After Hours”. Thank you Peter.
Ritch Esra: Lifestyles of the “Ritch Esra” and Famous
We met Ritch while he was an A&R guy at Arista Records working for Clive Davis. We pitched him some songs, none of which got placed despite Ritch’s efforts, but all ended up on this Anthology. Ritch became one of Judithe’s best friends of all time and is still a good friend of mine today. Ritch will always be remembered for creating our outgoing phone messages in the voice of Robin Leach’s “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.” People would call just to hear what he would say. Rich is like a human Encyclopedia of all things music business and I’ve always enjoyed good gab with him!
Roger Larocque: …And The Beat Goes On
Roger was a student at Dick Grove School Of Music. We became fast friends. Roger played and also would program drums on many of our songs. Roger was also a frequent member of my cover band “Social Circle”. He and Claude G were roommates and their Oakwood Apt became a meeting place on the weekends where all us Dick Grovers would hang out. I miss those times.
Later, after Judithe’s passing, I recorded several more projects with Roger at his Glendale Studio and he and his wife Denise (who had worked in Admin at DG) have been life long friends of mine.
Ron Wasserman: Producer Extraordinaire
I’m not sure how we met, but all that matters is I am glad to know him because he was an excellent producer and musician, a crack up in the studio and always kept it festive. Thank you Master Ron!!
Ronee Martin: The Voice that launched a thousand ships!
OMG, when I heard Ronee Martin sing, I couldn’t believe my ears in the power, the beauty, the depth of what I was hearing. I was so astonished and blessed to have this voice sing our songs. I’m not surprised Simon Cowell was thinking the same thing when she sang on AGT. Thank you Ronee! What a sweetheart!!
Steve Hopkins: To me… “Hip Hopkins”
I met Steve through a mutual friend who raved about his productions. They were absolutely correct. Steve arranged and produced songs for us and it was always of incredible quality. I also recently found out that he co wrote the theme to General Hospital which I watch on Hulu late night and always thought it was a great
composition! Who knew? I guess Hip Hopkins was hipper than I thought!! Also, I greatly appreciate all of the “Who Played What On Which” that Steve helped us to figure out for this project and ensuing liner notes.
Tommy Reeves: “Play us a song Piano Man!”
I met Tommy at Dick Grove School of Music. He was a very seasoned & talented piano player for his young age. I quickly enlisted him in playing on, arranging and producing some of our songs. He really stepped up to the challenge and did a fine job every time. I have the ultimate respect and admiration for Tommy’s abilities, and as a person, his unique sound always shines through. We deemed him our own “Hollyridgeland Piano Man!”
Claude Gaudette: “Love Looked Into My Life”
I met Claude at Dick Grove School of Music. He became my college boyfriend. Our first date was him asking to borrow my amplifier. Things progressed from there. He would play on and arrange my demos, and was quite ahead of his time, both with his musicianship and tech for the times. His arrangements, namely on “Tomorrow Doesn’t Matter Tonight” and “The Last Time” opened doors not only for me, but him as he began to get hired in the big leagues. His career and mine were taking off, but the relationship faltered. Still, we ended up better as collaborators and friends. He died too young at 37 years old. I will always miss him and he will always hold a place in my heart!
Curt Cuomo: Judithe’s prolific collaborator
The songs you created with Judithe, and also Guy (Marshall) will leave their legacy of outstanding AOR rock, luscious ballads, and really well written songs.
Kelly Keagy: Of Night Ranger legacy
We wrote the song “Live Each Day As My Last’ together and I remember being at Kelly’s studio in Valley Village and very much enjoyed the collaboration process and recording. Glad for it to be released!
John J. Barrett: Savvy web designer and social media architect!
I enlisted John’s help with the very many photographs that needed to be scanned and cropped, his help was immensely needed and appreciated. A photo can be worth a thousand words. He will be helping me with my social media and new website.
James Butler:Thank you for some great songs born out of our collaborations that will always be remembered.
Irish ballads certainly morphed into some great tunes.
Doug Messinger: A true, down in the trenches, iconic music engineer!
Doug helped us to transfer the “Tomorrow Doesn’t Matter Tonight” 16 inch master tape to digital. He was gracious and cordial and it was truly appreciated.
Edwin Rechterschot: Our Netherlands “Super Fan!”
A big shout out to a person who has been very supportive of our songs and music. Edwin did research and sought out opinions and info on what to include on this project. His input was very valuable and appreciated! Rock on Edwin!
JK Northrup: The Master of the Mastering
Thank you JK for the mastering on such a huge project and making our songs the best sound they can be. You have so much to do, and there’s a lot of very old recordings, so your patience is definitely a virtue and a blessing to me!
Nello Dell’Omo: Artistic Genius
Thank you Nello for the amazing album cover art and realizing exactly what I described to you about the Hollywood Hills Sunset and how you took that old pic of the house and made it into something really special and beautiful. Looking forward to all that you will create in Hollyridgeland!
Claudia Morini: Artistic Assistant with the True Colors
Thank you Claudia for all your talent, skill and artistic ability in the cover design and additional artwork on this Anthology, the realistic look you created really hits “home” with me. I love it!
Oliver Randall: My one & only son
Thank you to my son Oliver who filmed my Promo videos, went to grab us dinner and walked our dogs and helped out when I was swamped working on this project.
Captain Mustard: Always ready and never’s playing “ketchup”
A unique yet talented individual that thrives beyond the sound waves and sails the sea of harmony into the sonic sun. I relish his contribution to this Anthology!
Al Coda: Grand finale master!
A mysterious individual that always brings the sound to a perfect ending.