Randall Lamar Howard (May 9, 1950 – June 9, 2015) was an American country singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer. His music involved outlaw country, traditional country, old southern gospel, blues and Christian country.
Early life Howard was born May 9, 1950, in Macon, Georgia.
Career Howard worked as a disk jockey and program director at WDEN radio in Macon, Georgia."Utopian in Georgia. He also appeared on television. He formed the company Utopian Enterprises in 1973 and produced a number of records."Macon forms Country Effort". "Macon Music Utopia Gets Life Insurance".
As a recording artist, Howard released seven albums and CDs, all of which have charted in both national and international trade magazines. His album All American Redneck was listed in BillBoard's Top Album Picks in 1983."Billboard's Top Album Picks".
As a writer, Howard's songs were recorded by The Geezinslaw Brothers, Robin Lee and Hank Williams III.
Hank Williams III's CD Straight to Hell features Randy Howard's song entitled "My Drinkin' Problem"."The Grandson Also Rises: Hank Williams Iii Tries His Hand At The Family Business". Chicago Tribune, September 15, 1996|By Jack Hurst
Howard appeared on Nashville Now, Entertainment Tonight, Good Morning America and USA Today.
On June 9, 2015, Howard was shot and killed at his home in Lynchburg, Tennessee during an altercation with bounty hunter Jackie Shell."Country singer Randy Howard's shooting death sparks scrutiny of bounty hunter laws". Max Blau June 16, 2015"Outlaw Country Singer Randy Howard Dies in Shootout With Bounty Hunter". Taste of Country, By Sterling Whitaker June 11, 2015
Discography All American Redneck, Warner Brothers."Majors ready Barrage of new Artists". Now & Then, Utopian Label Not Plugged In, Utopian Label Randy Howard, Atlantic Records Macon Music, Hitsound,{Europe} Randy Howard Live, Paul Hornsby and Randy Howard The Best of Randy Howard, Paul Hornsby and Randy Howard " A Pair of Knees", Randy Howard and Paul Hornsby. CD released 2017 posthumous by the estate of Randy Howard.
References