Hometown Proud: Randy Sparks

Randy Sparks, A.k.a. Lloyd A. Sparks was born in Leavenworth, Kansas. (July 29, 1933 - February 11, 2024) He was an American Folk singer, songwriter and producer.  Founder of The New Christy Minstrels and The Back Porch Majority.

Sparks grew up in Oakland, California and attended the University of California at Berkeley.  In the late 1950s he had a solo career and released two albums, "Randy Sparks" in 1958, and "Walking the Low Road" in 1959.  The single, "Walkin' the Low Road", reached the Cashbox magazine Top 60.  He wrote the song "Today", which was a hit for the New Christy Minstreals for their 1964 album of the same title.  

Sparks also starred in the 1960 film drama, The Big Night.  Sparks sang the theme song over the opening credits of the 1958 film, Thunder Road.  He also composed the musical score for the 1964 movie, Advance to the Rear.  

In 2009, a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs, California, Walk of Stars was dedicated to the New Christy Minstrels and Randy Sparks.  

For more information:  New Christy Minstrels