Official Biography (courtesy of Randy Wilson)
For singer and songwriter Randy Wilson, a career in music has been a dream deterred. This talented R&B artist is completing his second project "Up Close and Personal" for which he wrote all the songs, and is looking forward to the future. He is poised and ready to step back onto the music scene and realize his dreams of success.
Growing up in Oakland , California , his interest in music came about when he was 8 years old, along with football and baseball. A short while later his interest in music developed into a passion. His childhood friend’s older brother played drums in a group called "Bits & Pieces". He was later chose to be the lead singer. The group performed at small nightclubs and hotels around the greater Bay Area for several years.
The band eventually parted ways and Randy decided to pursue his interest in recording. His musical influences were artists such as Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Teddy Pendergrass and Luther Vandross. He also started his own small record label called "Regal Records" with help from a friend. Three months later he recorded his first single, "Something Inside." The single was well received and garnered local radio play and also captured the attention of local promoter Paul Mack, Jr. He was soon opening shows for artists such as the Temptations, The OJay’s, Denise Williams, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Toni! Tony! Tone!, Roy Ayers, Stanley Clarke and many others.
His 1987 CD project created a buzz with local promoters and radio so he began shopping for a record deal. Every major record label that Randy hit, the feedback was "Wow, you sound just like Luther." While Randy loved that people said he sounded like Luther Vandross, his goal was for listeners to recognize and appreciate his own style of vocals.
Letting his passion, sensitivity and vulnerability set him apart, Randy began honing his signature sound with the support of his family and inspiration from his mother, who is also a singer. One day a friend passed him a tape with music that "changed everything." He began writing his own lyrics about experiences with family, friends and the daily challenges of life. "Love is such a powerful emotion and life is a gift from God. Music drives me," says Randy.
Randy recently shared the stage at the Conga Room in LA with R&B greats Stevie Wonder, Lenny Williams, D’Wayne Wiggins of Toni! Tony! Tone!, Jamie Fox and Raphael Saadiq in a benefit fundraiser and received kudos for his performance. Randy Wilson had signed an exclusive distribution deal with Kingdom Records/Universal.