Buddy Randell

William Crandall (November 9, 1941 - 1998), who was known by his stage name Buddy Randell, was an American singer and saxophonist who was associated with rock and roll group The Royal Teens and garage rock group The Knickerbockers.
Career
Born in New Jersey, Crandall's career began aged 14 when he joined The Royal Teens in 1956. He was forced to leave by his parents due to him being too young.
In 1964, Crandall began using the stage name "Buddy Randell" and joined a garage rock band alongside brothers John and Beau Charles and Jimmy Walker named The Knickerbockers (Whose group took their name from Knickerbocker Road). The Knickerbockers were known for their single "Lies" which has been remembered as it sounded eerily similar to that of The Beatles song "I Want to Hold Your Hand". The group would appear on TV shows such as ', Hollywood a Go-Go and American Bandstand. Randell left the band temporarily in 1967 because of personal problems at home, but would return to the Knickerbockers a year later and would remain in the group until 1970. In 1966, Buddy (alongside his band) cameoed in the film where they could be seen stood in front of a balcony door performing to a small audience "It's Not Unusual" by Tom Jones with drummer Jimmy Walker singing lead with Crandall playing the drums.
Later life
After the disbandment of the band, Crandall became a born-again Christian and was a part of a music group called Jerusalem Rivers in the early 1980s. During his time in the faith-based band, The Knickerbockers reunited in 1983 in Los Angeles to record demos with producer Jerry Fuller (with Buddy absent). However, He would be with the group for a month in 1990 to perform a series of events in Delray Beach, Florida.
Crandall died in 1998.
 
< Prev   Next >