Teddy Randazzo

Alessandro (Teddy) Randazzo, songwriter, record producer, singer and actor: born May 13 in New York City, 1935 - died November 21, 2003 in Florida. He began his recording career as vocalist/accordionist with the Three Chuckles, charting with 'Runaround' in 1954, before going solo three years later. In the early years of rock, he co-starred in revues staged by legendary disc jockey Alan Freed, appearing with such artists as Chuck Berry and LaVern Baker. In the 'teen idol' era, Randazzo hit the charts with 'Little Serenade', 'The Way Of A Clown' and 'Big Wild World'. Subsequent releases like 'You Don't Need A Heart' would find belated favour among soul fans. Randazzo also had starring roles in such rock films as Hey, Let's Twist, The Girl Can't Help It, Mr. Rock & Roll and Rock, Rock, Rock. It was as a songwriter and producer, most notably for Little Anthony & the Imperials, that Teddy Randazzo excelled. His 800+ registered compositions consisted mainly of collaborations with lyricists Bobby Weinstein, Bobby Hart, Lou Stallman, Victoria Pike, and Roger Joyce. With Weinstein, he wrote a string of major hits for Little Anthony, including 'Goin' Out Of My Head' and 'Hurt So Bad'. When the Lettermen combined those two songs in a medley, they became pop classics, recorded by a gamut of industry giants, from Frank Sinatra to Dionne Warwick. According to BMI, 'Goin' Out Of My Head' accumulated more than 6 million radio plays, whilst 'Hurt So Bad' which also lists Hart as a co-writer, received in excess of 4 million. Randazzo and Weinstein's 'It's Gonna Take A Miracle' (co-written with Stallman), originally recorded by the Royalettes, was also successful for Laura Nyro and Deniece Williams. He also ran his own labels, Satin and Buttercup. According to Weinstein, he and Randazzo were in the process of writing a song called 'I Never Got The Chance To Say Goodbye' at the time of his death. Randazzo is survived by his wife Shelly, 4 sons and 3 daughters.