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Randy Sparks
1933 - 2024
Randy Sparks
1933 - 2024
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1933
DIED
2024
Randy Sparks Obituary
Randy Sparks was a singer-songwriter who founded the New Christy Minstrels, a group that was part of the 1960s folk revival, and whose Grammy Award-winning debut was on the charts for two years.
We invite you to share condolences for Randy Sparks in our Guest Book.
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(Photo: Sherry Rayn Barnett/ Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
14 Entries
Okito Toyoda
May 21, 2025
It was shocking for me to hear of your passing as this morning I remembered one of your songs, Today. It was one of the most beautiful songs I ever heard till now. Do rest in peace.
David Egbert
October 23, 2024
As a cousin, I met Randy three times. Once at an Arrington reunion in Twin Falls, Idaho at the Harrison St Church pavilion. He sang a few numbers with his female singer. All enjoyed. Then once, at my home, when celebrating my grandfather´s 99th birthday. Randy & his mother [Pearl], both came to visit. Lastly, The Christy Minstrels gave a wonderful concert in Burley, Idaho. Afterward, he spent an hour or so visiting and laughing with his first cousins: Velma, Valene, Janell and others. He loved to be with family.
I recall after the concert in Burley, he began composing a ballad about Uncle Jake´s Cabins. They were the only place where the sheepherders could stay in town with their dogs. Velma & Valene told the story about their father.
Al torizzo
August 16, 2024
You song TODAY has helped a broken heart Thank You from a widower
James Lorch
April 12, 2024
I was able to work for Randy in linden, ca. My best memories of Randy are to many to list so I will sum it up by saying he was a fantastic individual and very talented. He will be missed.
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Jim & Lyn
March 26, 2024
Randy & his band filling the Lockford fire house station with joy & laughter as only they can with songs, variety of instruments, uniting all in attendance. I Never wanted it to end....
So we pass Randy´s music on to the next generation and as they sing along with Randy Sparks we hear the joy and laughter uniting all who are listening.
Yes, Randy, our kids love you too.
Donna Creech Garrone
March 8, 2024
My father, Orville Larry Creech, singing his song...This Land Is Your Land. My father named my youngest brother (Randy Creech) after him.
Sonja Mosher
March 7, 2024
I remember him from my childhood we recorded him singing om the radio on a Packard bell combination radio, record player that would cut a record. He sang Trees. When my parents took us to visit once he was in his navy uniform. His mother, Pearl was the head librarian at the new Oaklad, CA. Temple and we met for genealogy work a few times and she was able to copy quite a few papers for my family. Randy, Lloyd, sang at my dad's funeral and sang "Today" at the grave site. That was so good of him to come do that. He brought his mother and she slept in my bed and he was happy with the couch. His father, Ray, was a.brother to my grandmother Maude Sparks Creech.
Gail Reynolds
February 25, 2024
Our East Pasco County Florida Ukulele group will do a Randy Sparks tribute in up-coming Dade City and Wesley Chapel New River Library jams.
Mark Olt
February 24, 2024
So many great memories of Randy and his wife Diane at Adams and Company in Mokelumne Hill, CA. The best time in my life was 2002-2008. Just knowing he was out there gave me a since of peace. My go to song to relax is "Today" as it was for many.
Nancy Keefe
February 21, 2024
My Dad and I used to play guitars together...he is long gone, but listening to Green green always reminds me of him. It is on my spotify play list, so I hear it several times a week. Randy thank you for sharing your music with us, we are all much better for it.
Dave Mann
February 21, 2024
I join with his family and friends in mourning Randy's passing. I loved his song, "Today" and will keep playing it for the rest of my life.
Elizabeth Bell
February 20, 2024
Rip Randy
Cheryl B Vogel (Weis)
February 20, 2024
Never saw the New Christy Minstrels in person, but spent many nights enjoying the Back Porch Majority at Ledbetter's (Westwood Blvd. at Wilshire). Those nights are among my favorite memories. Thank you Mr. Sparks
Marlene S
February 20, 2024
I remember well the New Christy Minstrels and have enjoyed their music since the 1960's. Randy Sparks will live on in the music he left behind. One of my favorites of the NCMs is the song Today. Never grow tired of hearing the words and the message contained therein. Rest in Peace, Randy.
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