Primary Instrument: Vocal
The Randy Van Horne Singers were among the most prolific and respected session vocalists of the space age pop era. In addition to contributions to classic LPs from exotica maestros like Martin Denny and Esquivel, their buoyant harmonies are immortalized via classic TV themes including The Flintstones and The Jetsons. Founder and arranger Randy Van Horne worked in Hollywood in 1949, forming his first vocal group, the Encores, and touring with the Billy May Orchestra. In the 50s, Van Horne focused on session work with a new ensemble, The Randy Van Horne Singers , which signed with RCA Victor to cut the LP Swingin' Singin'. In the years to follow the lineup at various times assembled a who's who of session vocal greats; among them Marni Nixon, Marilyn King, Clark Burroughs, Gene Merlino, Thurl Ravenscroft and Bob Zwirn. Albums like Sleigh Ride, The Clef Dwellers and the MGM release Sing a Song of Goodman are notable both for their light, joyful harmonies and Van Horne's clever, jazz-inspired arrangements. At the peak of their renown, the Van Horne Singers assumed backup duties on sessions headlined by artists such as Dean Martin and Mel Tormé, and were regulars on television's The Nat King Cole Show. The Randy Van Horne Singers were admired for their contributions to the space age pop genre, with highlights including Martin Denny's Afro- Desia and Esquivel's Other Worlds Other Sounds. In 1958, composer Hoyt Curtin contracted the Van Horne Singers to perform the title theme to animators Hanna/Barbera's The Huckleberry Hound Show, The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Yogi Bear, and others. These themes are immortalized in the collective memory of the baby boomer generation. Randy continued to arrange and write music, directed several other vocal and instrumental groups, and formed a new lineup of The Randy Van Horne Singers , which he was involved with up to his passing September 26, 2007 in Woodland Hills, California. The group carries on his grand tradition to this day, and are performing shows again! New members include director Alan Wilson and recording artists Max Vasquez, Harry Middlebrooks, Art Depew, Lynn Keller, Billie Barnum, Franny McCartney and others in the current 20 member ensemble.
The Randy Van Horne Singers:
Bill Marles, piano accompanist
Sopranos: Lynn Keller Franny McCartney Darice Richman Suzanne Water
Altos: Billie Barnum Diane Gardemann Patti Glick Angela Michael
Tenors: Harry Middlebrooks A.J. Teshin Max Vasquez Alan Wilson (conductor)
Basses: Art Depew John Drinkwater Steve Grant Bill Haviscan't think
