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BORN
1954
DIED
2023
Randall Sears Obituary
March 29, 1954 April 14, 2023
Bakersfield Randy Sears brilliant musician and drummer, friend, brother, wit and musical mentor passed away April 14, 2023 after battling a number of health conditions for decades. Randy was one of the most gifted musicians and personalities to ever grace the stages of Bakersfield and the world, and he will be missed by countless fans, friends, and admirers. Randy was born in Bakersfield on March 29, 1954 into a loving family of parents Blanche and Ewell Sears and older brothers Bobby and Jerry.
Randy's brilliant mind and musical gifts were recognized and encouraged from an early age, and he attended accelerated learning classes at local schools, graduating from South High in 1972.
Even in his teens, Randy spent countless hours mentoring other players and sharing his talents and ideas. Music to his marrow, he then embarked on a lifetime of musical journeys and relationships including with such renowned artists as Steve Perry and Tina Turner, joining her on a world tour. Locally his bandmates were a who's who of Bakersfield's best, including Marty Townsend, Bobby Santa Cruz, Rick Troxel, Keith Hall, Billy Haynes and others too numerous to list.
Randy's knowledge of all musical styles and of music history was an encyclopedia: there wasn't a category of song he couldn't play and hugely improve. Not content to just keep the beat his approach to drums and percussion was incredibly creative, tasteful and subtle, as noted, in fact, by legendary drummer Steve Gadd (Steely Dan), who attended one of Randy's performance in Los Angeles and sought him out afterwards to praise his work. He truly knew music. Randy was also a prodigious collector of music, amassing thousands of recordings and concert videos in every style, including world music, and he had a steel trap memory for bands and their members and most importantly their techniques. His sources of inspiration were vast, but he was anything but a mimic his playing utterly unique.
In 1988, Randy suffered a catastrophic brain illness that his UCLA doctors didn't expect him to survive. But he not only survived, he continued playing and inspiring listeners and fellow musicians. For 30 plus years he braved countless health setbacks, hospitalizations and neurological challenges with cheerful, self depreciating humor. Throughout these trying times his musical mind produced masterpieces of drumming and percussion that will profoundly missed by many, including his most recent collaborators, Marty Townsend and Nile Kinney.
Randy viewed optimism, generosity, and humor as requirements for his own spiritual and musical survival. Laughter was key. He was a loving person.
Many thanks are owed to Randy's most recent supporters and care givers, including devoted friends Zanne Zarrow, Beverly Williams, and Delores Garza.
Randy is survived by his brother Jerry, and will live on through his admirers.
A celebration of Randy's life will be scheduled in due course.
www.bakersfield.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Randall Sears
Steve Lockridge
June 4, 2025
I just found out that Randy had passed away. We got to know each other on social media. We talked about his career, music in general, and his health issues. I am sorry to learn of his passing.
Carl Carter
March 21, 2025
Randy and I met at Central Church of Christ in the early 1960´s when we were about ten years old. We became friends, often spending Sunday afternoons together playing music. I would attempt to play the guitar while Randy masterfully played the drums. Randy was also an amazing artist, often drawing hot rod cars that were amazing. Throughout the years we visited, but as often happens we each followed our own path. I´m so sorry he is gone. He was an amazing talent and a hoot to be around. I hope to see you again, my friend. Until that day please say hi to your mom and dad for me. Deepest condolences to family and friends.
Michael Lewis
January 2, 2025
Randy and I attended South High together. I worked at KIFM in the VP Mall across the street from his home. I would occasionally go over there to the back bedroom and listen to him play to the songs that also played to his headphones... then he'd ask if he kept up or not. Great smile, great laugh.
He came to Las Vegas with Tina and called me to come by and watch the show... didn't know I was going to be introduced to Tina. Amazing individual!! Still very upset that he's gone!
My condolences to family and friends alike!
BTW: I knew him as Randy Jefferson Sears!
Jeff Fargus
May 24, 2023
I played in a band with Randy for a short time in around 1984(?) or so, and I'll always remember his intelligence and wonderful sense of humor, and of course he was a monster drummer. I wish that our time playing together hadn't been so short. Nice talkin' to ya, Randy.
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Susan Lawrence Johnson
April 30, 2023
Jerry, I am so sorry to hear of your brother Randy's passing. Continue to hold close touching memories of your beloved brother.
Jerry Sears
April 28, 2023
I miss my brother. His morning text. His upbeat voice even when he was feeling bad. His wonderful sense of humor. His rants about the current music. There is a huge void you left behind. It´s comforting to know Mom, Dad, and Bobby have you in their presence.
Randy Harris
April 27, 2023
Randy was by far one of the most talented drummers I´ve ever had the pleasure to have known. Back in `65, I was the tag along little brother to Bill Harris, riding our bikes up and down the alley and exploring the newly constructed Valley Plaza. We would stop at the Sears residence and listen to tunes like Incense and Peppermint, Light my fire, a plethora of Monkees tunes all while Randy played his brothers drum set to them. I tried my best to absorb any riffs or fills that Randy played. He was a very patient teacher. Even at 10 to 12 years old, he was incredibly coordinated.
Not only a talented drummer/musician he was also an incredible sketch artist. We would throw out the model of car, "Mustang, Corvette, Charger" and he would crank out a sketch in minutes. On top of that, he could also speak volumes on camshaft intake and exhaust overlap and the scavenging effect it had on an internal combustion engine.
A virtual encyclopedia of who´s who in the music world, he was always in the know when it came to the latest bands that were releasing new albums or breaking up. He always spoke highly of his brother Jerry and was very proud of him.
My condolences to Jerry, his family and loved ones.
Randy Harris
Bill Harris
April 26, 2023
Randy and I were neighborhood childhood friends, we met off of of Ming Ave. in Bakersfield, California when we were about 10. I remember going over to his house to show me his brother's drum set that he played in a bedroom. Even back then Randy's drumming skills were amazing and I was incredibly impressed seeing a real drum set. Randy let me play and he started showing me rudimentary patterns. Rock n roll was in full force and Randy and I started to collect albums of various artists as kids. We would spend hours listening and discussing the intricacies of certain players and music styles. I became a musician myself due to Randy's suggestion. I can honestly say I gained a huge understanding of music due to Randy.
We were best friends and I knew his family for decades. I will miss him and his sense of humor. My condolences to Jerry and entire Sears family.
David Wulfekuehler
April 26, 2023
Randy was the Galactic Soulflower to this planet, and especially this town...always in bloom with creativity at any gig, and well, anywhere actually...an inspirational artist unlike others, and I am so blessed to have had him as a music mentor and friend...watching Randy play drums on any given night you might hear the same songs, but with mind-blowing interpretation and embellishment, as the song became a brand new exciting piece of art...he always shined upon any soundscape, always reaching within to bring the best of his spirit and imagination to us all...and oh my gosh, whether breaking up those crazy paradiddles, or using those mysterious ghost notes, or displaying those powerful chops as he rolled around the kit, or his incredible touch and delicate cymbal work, or just the whole collection of sounds he could get out of one piece of equipment, all the while laying down a perfect tempo and gravy groove, always left me awestruck!...he challenged me through his inspiration and I am forever grateful, and blessed beyond words...I can still hear him playing...talking...and that laugh of his!...so infectious!...Soulflower Randy will always be a joyous love blossum in my heart and mind.
I send hugs of peace, strength and love to his family and friends here..."and though his ship sets sail, and out of sight, it is not the journey's end, just the river's bend"...I love ya always my big soul brother! ...to the angels Sir Randy
Rick Stevens
April 25, 2023
Randy was one of the most talented musicians I ever had the pleasure of meeting and working with a few times. Our mutual respect for the music business was equal. I did not know him as well as some but he was always very complimentary when we worked together. His Witt was compared to none, and professionalism on stage as well.
You will be missed but never forgotten. R.I.P.
paul gonzo gonzales
April 25, 2023
most certainly one of the finest drummers to ever come out of bakersfield. whole generations that came after him he was their idol..he was a good friend of my older brother jim as well as our neighbor on hughes lane..he will most definitely be missed..already is...
Glenda Robles Russell
April 23, 2023
I had the pleasure of meeting and performing with RanDud. His sense of humor drew me in hook, line and sinker along with his amazing groove.
The story behind "DUD": whenever I would say, "Happy Birthday or anything "happy", his response would always be, "yeah; what's so happy about it?" I would laugh and called him a "Dud" thereafter. Hence our nicknames were RanDud and Glendud and sometimes Dudley. I cherish our friendship and send my sincere condolences to family and friends. Thanks for the fond memories Dud!!
Anita Griego
April 22, 2023
Jerry
My deepest condolences. I always loved listening to Randy tell me stories of his days on the road and of his family , even as we parted ways my memories of him are always good. Rest in peace Randy
Jimmy Gonzales
April 20, 2023
Randy and I grew up at opposite ends of Hughes Lane, We were friends for many years and played in a few bands together in the 70s and early 80s. I lost touch with him when I left California eight years ago. When we were kids and he was learning to play, I would go over to his house and watch him practice listening to Buddy Rich recordings and playing on boxes and books. Even then it was so apparent that he was going to be a huge talent. randy´s brother Jerry was already a student at Bakersfield college. He was our hero and I´m sure he continue to be Randy´s hero throughout his life. Condolences and blessings to Jerry and the rest of the family.
Leslie Weil
April 19, 2023
Jerry I'm so sorry that Randy passed from this life and that not only have you lost your beloved brother but that the world has lost his great musical talent. I'm sending you prayers for comfort and strength.
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