Randy Sparks, a master of folk music who helped develop a number of future stars, including Kenny Rogers and John Denver, during the 1960s folk revival, is buried in San Diego on February 11.
Sparks wrote ballads, choral odes, and humorous ditties like “Saturday Night in Toledo, Ohio.” He was ninety years old.
Randy Sparks cause of death
Cameron Sparks, his son, stated that his father had health issues, including cardiac issues. At his son’s house, Mr. Sparks, a resident of Mokelumne Hill, California, was receiving medical attention. This could be the cause of his sudden demise.
Randy Sparks obituary information
Born in Leavenworth, Kansas on July 29, 1933, Randy Lloyd Sparks grew up in Oakland, California. His mother researched ancestry for the Mormons, or Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, while his father worked on docks.
Mr. Sparks did not complete his degree in zoology at San Diego State University. In 1956, he enlisted in the Navy and teamed up with fellow sailor Ralph Grasso for talent competitions within the Navy.
They were able to secure television appearances on shows like “The Bob Hope Show” and others after winning twice. (After seeing the performances, Mitchum cast Grasso and Mr. Sparks in “Thunder Road,” where Mr. Sparks also had an uncredited cameo.)
Mr. Sparks started out as a solo performer in North Beach, San Francisco, performing at venues like the Purple Onion, where poet Maya Angelou and comedian Phyllis Diller occasionally graced the stage.
In 1958, he put out two albums: “Randy Sparks” and “Walkin’ the Low Road” the following year.
