Don Randi
Oral History Information
Don Randi is among the most noted studio musicians that came out of Los Angeles during the famous Wall of Sound era. Don was a member of the Wrecking Crew and played keyboards on countless hit recordings. When listening to the Beach Boy's famous Pet Sounds album, you will hear Don’s piano and keyboards throughout the recording. He plays the harpsichord on the beginning of Linda Ronstadt’s career jumping hit “Different Drum” (when she was a member of the group The Stone Poneys). Don’s list of credits is incredible, as are the many instruments he not only played but also perfected over his career, including early electronic keywords such as the Moog and Wurlitzer Electric Piano. As a second career, Don successful promoted live jazz at a club he opened in the 1970s in Studio City, California called the Baked Potato. The club showcased artists from around the world for several decades and was voted Best Jazz Club by Los Angeles Magazine.