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Randy Kaye Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for Randy Kaye
47 Entries
Danielle Kathleen Kaye Hopkins
September 17, 2009
Well a year has come and gone and it seems like just yesterday that I was drying our sons' tears! A blink! Like the 34 years we spent living life. I wrote something here on the anniversary of your death ,but it wasn't published because I included a poem .So this time this one is written by me.
Hello~Goodbye
Knitted hat on a George Raft look alike
"Would you like white wine spritzer?"
"This is my dad"
"Svornt"
"Maestro"
"It's out!!"
Shoveling snow~Pulling weeds~Experiencing the joy of new life~Twice~
Drifting further and further away
Till you were just a speck on the shore
I'm grateful I could see you again
For who you really were
Before yo left
Before the song was over
Before you were ready to try again
I want to thank you for everything good we shared
And I want you to know I have forgiven all that wasn't
Your partner in time,
danielle
Carrie Thomson
August 19, 2009
I don't think words can begin to describe the family loss we ALL feel with Randy gone.
This last year has been a hard one for everybody....my brothers have lived through highs and lows of missing dad. May the memory of the good times carry on to give them the strength and courage to pass along the "remember when" stories to give smiles to those who never met Randy or simply miss him.
The touching memories and love that we all share will never die.
Love you both Jordan & Justin.
Carrie & ltl Gary
MATT GASPERINI
August 18, 2009
late nights sitting in the living room talkeing about everything i'll never forget them. to my boys jordan and justin i love u both and your dad will truely never be forgotten. one love randy...
Justin- Kaye
August 16, 2009
I'd like to thank everyone for their beautiful words about my dad. Knowing the various lives Randy touched in an intimate and profound way makes the pain of his death a little easier to bear. Randy's influence on those he played with and taught are a testament to the power and magic of music. I know that the vulnerability and Love in which Randy played the drums will not soon be forgotten by anyone who heard and saw him. Randy was a seeker who tried to unearth the deep beauty inherent in Life though the Yoga of Rhythm.
Besides music Randy gave me many gifts and pearls of wisdom in my 28 years with him. We would have discussions late into the night about music,baseball,politics,conspiracy, and most importantly philosophy. He introduced me to buddhism and taoism at about 13 years of age. He tried to teach me moderation in life (namely with orange juice or milk consumption as my template). "We are standing still!" This was Randy's understanding of quantum physics. Though he never adhered to any creed or belief system he was a spiritual person who never failed to see the wonder and divine inspiration in the world. He was a artist in a very true way and thought we are lost without art in our lives.
Dear Maestro,
There is so much I could say about you dad. I know how you feel about me and I think you know how I feel about you. Even though times get tough I know I will come out the other side transformed. No one ever said this was easy. Your deep Love and affection will carry me through the years, of this I am sure. I hope you have a meaty piece of my heart to help you along your journey. I will march forward and endure until the end, looking into the nature of my heart and soul, not shying away from anything I may find. I will always be fearless in my Love because God is Love and Love is all there is. Death is an illusion and we are an imagination of ourselves. The Truth is what is, A Lie is what you want it to be. Peace is not a state but it is in what we are. I miss you dad and I promise Jordan and I will take care of each other with the Light of your Love as a guide.
Butterfly and Eskimo Kisses for Eternity,
Your Baby Boy Justin
Jordan Kaye
August 15, 2009
I miss you so much Dad. i cant believe its almost a year but no pain has left me. I would give anything to spend more time with you. You helped turn me into such a great person. I wish you could watch me grow old but i know you are watchin me from above. I love looking at the moon because then we can be in the same place. i still hear your voice everyday and still imagine the way you would squeeze me to tight when we hugged. Even though things were rough when i was younger you made our bond so much tighter. I just wish it could have kept growing. I know you wouldnt want me to still be sad but i cant help it. Everything reminds me of you. I dont know how i would of turned out if it wasnt for you. You made me such a well rounded person and i cant thank you enough. I just wish i could hug you and tell you i love you one last time to your face. The times we spent together in Ny were my fav times ever. I love you so much and miss i cant explain. RIP maestro
David Eyges
July 1, 2009
Hello, although it's been many years since i've seen Randy i do remember a concert he did with me at Cooper Union in 1978.my very best to you..Kathleen, Justin, and Jordan
David Eyges
john h curry
May 8, 2009
found out weds. 4/6/09 night that randy had passed. living in buffalo has some drawbacks. not getting to play with randy, high among them. i got to know him as a friend, rhythm section mate & old soul, from '88 until i moved in '96-'97. not long, looking back. but in those few years his wisdom, passion, taste & time changed me. i wish i could thank him again.
Pat New
September 14, 2008
Randy, I am so impressed with your accomplishments and also with your sons, Justin and Jordan - you were a great musician and a great Dad!
Hank Nadig
September 7, 2008
RANDY was like no other musician I've worked with. I used to call him the sparkplug of our Royal Garden Jazz Band. You never knew what to expect from Randy, but whatever is was, it always worked. A great guy with a great sense of humor.
Judy Fausak
September 6, 2008
Dear Kathleen, Justin, and Jordan,
I was so sorry to hear of Randy's passing, I had the pleasure of hearing him play at the Red Lion Inn in StockBridge many years ago, he was a great musician. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you, may God Bless you in this difficult time. Love, Judy
carolyn krupnick
September 5, 2008
Dear Justin and Jordan and Kathleen.
we are so sorry to hear of Randy's passing. You are all in our prayers.
Love Carolyn (mom's cuz) and Charles Krupnick
Jo Albert
September 2, 2008
Bye
Kristen Hopkins
August 27, 2008
Justin,Jordan and Aunt Kathleen, I am very sorry for your loss and know Uncle Randy is up there with Daddy looking down on us. Love you all!!
jane walsh
August 27, 2008
Dear Justin, Jordan and Danielle,
We are so sorry for your loss.
I only briefly met Randy, at Castle Street, but I remember his charming demeanor, and his delight to find his beautiful boy Justin in the audience that night.
This guest book has some lovely tributes to your Dad; it must make you proud to know he touched so many lives, and was loved and appreciated by so many people. I hope that it is a comfort to you all.
Please accept our condolences, and Justin, you stay in touch!
Jane Walsh and Kraig Petersen
Charles Stevens
August 27, 2008
I am deeply saddened to hear Randy has been taken from us. Although I only had the honor of working with him a half dozen times, each of those times was a treasure. I send my condolences to all family and loved ones. Randy will always be remembered.
Donald Hahn
August 26, 2008
Jordan and Justin, I, like Joel Peskin and Steve Blum was part of that great little group in 1964-65 with your dad. It remains one of the best musical moments of my life, something very special with very special people all. Your dad and I remained close friends, and did play for a time after my release from the army (1968), but as life happens,we wound up losing touch for awhile. We had recently spoke, and he sounded great, full of hope and energy for playing and talking about music and things. I'm only sorry that we could never find the time to get together one more time, never knowing it might be the last time. My deepest sympathies to you, Alan and all the family. Randy will always be with me, as he will be in my thoughts as he'll be in yours. Don Hahn
Andrea Buchman
August 25, 2008
Dear Justin & Jordan -
Your Dad helped make us a wonderful wedding that we will never forget!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Warm regards,
Hans & Andrea
Maurice (Mo) Rancourt
August 24, 2008
To all the Family and close friends of Randy who are dealing with this loss:
My heart and thoughts go out to you at this sad time. I am but one of many regional musicians who had the distinct joy of gigging with Randy on occaision over many years, as well as exchanging terrible jokes with him during the breaks. God, how I loved his laugh! I could count on a hug and a smile whenever we met, and we always shared a " 'Love ya, Pops" upon parting. I'll miss that as much or more than his tasty, precise playing.
Thanks for sharing him with us.
Maurice (Mo) Rancourt, trumpet player from Vermont.
Janice Yelverton
August 24, 2008
Jordan and Justin,
Sending my regards to both of you in the loss of your Dad. The last time I saw him was during a visit to Stockbridge, when both of you were much younger. After reading the glowing entries in his guest book, it seems I missed knowing a great guy and maybe even greater musician. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I know you will always have your memories. Love, Janice Voivedich Yelverton
Kimberly Cramer
August 23, 2008
Dearest Aunt Kathleen,Justin and Jordan,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.Uncle Randy was a very special man with a warm infectious smile.I have childhood memories of family get-togethers of my first trip to NewYork City in that great NY Apartment,beautiful times in Stockbridge,and with Uncle Randy,s family,Al,Mark and Wendy whom I enjoyed so much.Daddy(Pat) always teased Uncle Randy about how much food he ate yet always stayed so slim.Peace be with you all.Nemaste,Uncle Randy.
Lovingly and in sympathy,
Herb,Kimberly,Taylor and Thomas
Judy Wilk
August 22, 2008
Justin, Jordy, and Mama-
So sorry to hear Randy is no longer with us physically.
What I'll cherish the most is the memory of Randy's warm hearted greeting whenever he saw me. "Hey Jude..... sweatheart..... what's happenin'?"
We all know his spirit lives on and he will no doubt watch over you all until we meet again.
I love you all very much.
Linda Gall
August 22, 2008
Danielle and I were best friends and living in NYC when she met Randy and in turn, through Randy I met my husband Ron. We all lived in the same building on the lower east side and the memories of our friendship during those years are now turning bittersweet because one of us is gone too soon. My heart breaks for Justin and Jordan, Randy's father Al, and my dearest friend, Danielle.
Craig Holmes
August 21, 2008
I'm kind of speechless as I just heard the news.
I want to say that I first started taking lessons from Randy in ’87 or ’88. I was taking lessons from Bob Saydlowski Jr. at the time and things weren’t going well at all. Finally, Bob sat me down and told me that he didn’t feel we were a good teacher/student match and that we shouldn’t continue. At the same time, he also told me that he knew someone that I might be more compatible with - a teacher by the name of Randy Kaye. He couldn’t have been more right as I then spent the next 5 or 6 years studying with Randy either at his home in Stockbridge, Pittsfield Community Music School, or Wood Brothers.
I had always hoped to see Randy again and thank him for the impact he has had on my life both as a percussionist and as a person. Randy opened up a whole new world for me and changed the way I thought about music. He instilled in me the notion that music could be free as well as structured. He taught me the difference between “less is more” and “more is less”, that making mistakes could actually lead to new discoveries, and how learning could be just as valuable as forgetting. Randy was definitely one of a kind and I’ll never forget him.
It’s funny in that a lot of what he taught me never really made sense until I was an adult. I would often find myself saying, “oh, so that’s what Randy meant by this or that.”
I just wish I could have told him how much of an influence his teaching has actually had on me and thank him.
My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Pat Campagna
August 21, 2008
To Randy's Family,I am so sorry for your loss and the tremendous loss to the musical world.Imagine my shock the day my daughter came home and said she signed up for the drums as her choice of instrument....well all in all it ended up being the best thing she ever did. She had lessons from Randy at the young age of 11 @ Wood Bros.She has become an accomplished drummer that would make Randy proud.He was a very special man who helped her to get accepted to a music college with his perfect choice of music to show off her abilities. She will always remember how he called her "man". Like," good job man."....I can't think of him without smiling,a testament to him being a great teacher and an even better person. My deepest sympathy... Rock on Randy
Aldo Pinotti
August 21, 2008
Dear Danielle, Justin and Jordan,
I was so saddened to hear that Randy is no longer with us. I will always remember with great joy the wonderful times I got to spend with you and Randy as a young boy. His confidence, sincerity and kindheartedness was always so inspiring to me. I will cherish the memories I have of him and of the time we all spent together, forever. I am so very sorry this had to happen. I miss you and love you all very much. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Meighan Scire
August 20, 2008
Who knew 20 yrs ago while I waited for my daughter to get out of class along with a man dressed all in black with the greatest smile and the cutest toddler you would ever see with a cast on his tiny leg we along with his wife Danielle and other son Justin would become best of friends. There are too many memories to list. Guys you know mom was there for it all but I can assure you your dad loved you his way and that's all you can ask for. Your dad was one of the kindest and funniest man I ever met, he would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. I look foward to remembering him with you and sharing many laughs and tears together. I love you and am thinking of you during this difficult time.
I love you,
Meeeeg
Joel Peskin
August 20, 2008
I was one of Randy's best friends and fellow musicians back in Brooklyn when we were teenagers and JAZZ lovers. We played in a great little jazz band and made our cool music and loved every minute of grooving as kids. I spent alot of time at the Kaye's apt in Flatbush with his dad Al and we had alot of fine dinners and laughs. I was really sadded to hear that one of my bestest & oldest friend had left us so soon, and I was also really sad that I never got to see you getting older like me and even share our friendship and music together as we lived on different sides of the USA. But through great old photos and tapes of our music and events I can always re live those precious moments we had as budding musicians just grooving! My deepest sympathy goes out to the family and kids. Being a father of 2 & a grampa I know their loss of a hip and lovivng music daddy!!!!..So rest in peace my ol' Brooklyn Boy! ! I will always miss you & those memories will always live on in deep inside my heart and soul! God Bless PEACE*
Tom Warner
August 20, 2008
Dear Elaine,
I was so saddened to hear of
Randy's passing.
Randy was one real cool dude
that will be missed by so many.
You are in my prayers.
Tom
Amber Hopkins
August 20, 2008
A real cool cat and a man of infinite wisdom and charm who will be missed by many. Many childhood memories include the smooth sound of a steel brush on a snare drum and the sweet smell of pipe tobacco swirling about the room. Keep on groovin' Uncle Randy. Love, Amber
Rosa and Aldo Pinotti
August 20, 2008
Dearest Justin and Jordan,
It still does not seem real that Randy, your dad, our friend, is gone.
We share the sorrow and the pain caused by your great loss and we are close to you with our warmest thoughts during this difficult time. May you find comfort in sweet and happy memories. We will always remember your dad at his best. He was a gentle and loving father and friend. He loved to laugh and could tell great jokes. And he was a unique, graceful poet on drums. He will live forever in our hearts.
Erin Forfa
August 20, 2008
Justin, Jordan, and Danielle,
I am so sorry to hear about this. I hope you are all doing well. I will alway remember your dad fondly and all the time I spent on Cherry St
The Jimmy Giuffre Four: Randy Kaye, Jimmy Giuffre, Pete Levin, Bob Nieske
August 20, 2008
Pat New
August 20, 2008
Dear Danielle, Justin, and Jordan,
Our family has many, many fond memories of Randy and of each of you, during all those years that you were our neighbors, across the street, in Stockbridge. It was always a thrill to hear Randy practicing! Please know that we are deeply saddened by the passing of Randy, and that you are each in our prayers, at this difficult time.
With love,
Drummer Randy Kaye
August 20, 2008
Joe Finn, Randy Kaye, Pete Toigo
August 20, 2008
Drummer Randy Kaye
August 20, 2008
Allan Chase
August 19, 2008
I had the pleasure and honor of playing with Randy Kaye in Bob Nieske's Wolf Soup quartet, with Bob (bass/composer) and Jon Damian (guitar) in the late 80s and early 90s. Randy was an unforgettable person and a beautiful, original musician. He created an aura of sound like no one else, with subtle use of brushes and touches to the bell of cymbals, etc. -- he really heard color and harmonized with other instruments. And his time feels were mysterious and totally compelling -- in-between feels, swing and free at the same time, or even fast and slow at the same time. I've never heard anyone like him. His musical biography is amazing. My sympathy and best wishes to Randy's family.
royal hartigan
August 19, 2008
randy was and is a great person, musician, artist, teacher, and colleague who has inspired countless fellow musicians, students, and listyeners. over the years he has left a unique legacy in african american music, cross cultural experimental music, and other creativde styles.
he played very subtly, often supporting the ensemble, but brought life to any music he was involved in. he had incredible diversity, able to play with integrity in many historicald contemporary styles of creative music.
i will miss randy for his humanity, that was felt through his drumming. his spirit will live on in all of us who were fortunate to know him, and i dedicate my music to him.
in spirit and music,
royal hartigan
Jason Ennis
August 19, 2008
Randy Kaye was one of the most creative musicians I've ever heard or gotten the opportunity to play with. To really play with him one needed to put aside all preconceptions or expectations and be open to the spirit of the moment. If one approached a musical encounter with Randy in this spirit, great things would happen; he had the true gift of the ability to inspire and surprise his fellow musicians and breath freshness into the most tired or familiar tunes or performance environments. The music world will miss him greatly.
Sharon Mack
August 19, 2008
I
worked at Berkshire Music School nights to earn money for drum lessons
for my son, who was in middle school then. As Patrick grew, Randy never
forgot us and whenever we saw him play, he always greeted us with the
friendliest of smiles. He taught Patrick well, and taught him many good
things about not only drumming but being a musician. Randy was the best!
Ryan Lack
August 19, 2008
I had the pleasure and honor of hanging with Randy at gigs, lessons and around town. He taught me so much about music and life and was always a joy to be around. He always had a joke or a kind word and whether through coversation or music no matter what Randy said it was an honor to listen. He will be missed.
Fran Tokarz
August 19, 2008
Randy lives on as the great musician and citizen in all the music and memories we now have of him.
He had a singular musical voice and marched to a different drummer. Himself.
Play on Maesty!!!
Dan Wojtkowski
August 19, 2008
Randy was a great man. He taught me a lot about music and just as much about life. I will always remeber the enlightened conversations we had together, talking about everything from politics to sports and of course music. The best times were hearing his countless stories of his random life experiences. He was a kind soul, and I will always remember him. Randy Kaye I will miss you very much and I know there are so many more who will also miss you. Rest in peace my friend.
Penny Calero
August 19, 2008
Danielle, Justin and Jordan,
What a great guy your dad was and alot of fun. Will always remember the good times at your house. Randy will be missed alot. Our sympathy to all of you.
Penny and Vinnie
Carrie Thomson
August 19, 2008
Justin & Jordan-
I'm so sorry you guys had to go through this. Your parents took me in like I was a their own child (of course there are a few of us they did this too :) I will always remember the family time you all made me part of, the holidays we spent together, the lectures & encouragement I got...and of course the gig's I got to see & the ongoing lessons in the history of jazz.
I am going to miss Randy, but the memories will always be close to my heart.
Love you
xo
Carrie & ltl Gary
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