Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Randy Sparks, the founder of the folk music group the New Christy Minstrels, passed away at the age of 90. His death occurred on February 11 at an assisted care facility in San Diego, according to Variety.
His son, Kevin, confirmed the news to the New York Times, stating that Sparks had been living on his 168-acre ranch in Jenny Lind, Calif., northeast of San Francisco, until shortly before his passing.
Sparks, an American musician, songwriter, and founder of the folk ensemble, rose to fame during the 1960s folk music renaissance. He established the New Christy Minstrels in 1961, known for their vocal harmonies and folk-pop style. The group achieved commercial success with hits like ‘Green, Green,’ co-written by Sparks and Barry McGuire, ‘Today,’ and ‘Denver.’
In 1963, the New Christy Minstrels won a Grammy Award for outstanding chorus performance for their debut album, ‘Presenting the New Christy Minstrels,’ which remained on the Billboard Albums chart for two years. Sparks also played a role in launching the careers of artists such as Steve Martin, John Denver, and Kenny Rogers, with Rogers serving as the band’s double bass player in 1966.
In addition to his work with the New Christy Minstrels, Sparks wrote for other artists and was involved in various musical projects. He was a significant figure in the music industry, especially in the folk music genre.
After selling his stake in the New Christy Minstrels for $2.5 million in the mid-1960s, Sparks moved to rural Northern California. There, he formed a 30-year partnership with Burl Ives and opened Ledbetter’s Nightclub in Los Angeles.
Sparks, born on July 29, 1933, in Leavenworth, Kansas, began his career in the 1950s as a solo folk performer in California. He was part of the thriving folk music scene in cities like Los Angeles, where he performed at coffeehouses and clubs.
Recognized for his songwriting and performing talents, Sparks made industry connections before forming the New Christy Minstrels. He is survived by his sons Kevin and Cameron, daughters Melinda and Amanda, sister Naomi Allen, and four grandchildren.