Newspaper Articles, Tour of Duty & Some History

 

I have access to 2 of  'Luther  Perkins' guitars in the U.S.A., ... they have been authenticated by 'GRUHN Guitars' of Nashville and are "For Sale" 

the headlines read:

 

 

 

Like the title of his new CD, Randy Kay's life, passion and pursuits have come full circle.  With family and a genuine respect for life the pillars of Kay's existence, his enthusiasm, admiration and undying loyalty to the life and music of John R. Cash is unquestionable.

 

"Listening to Kay speak about his understanding and respect for 'The Man in Black' leaves little doubt he is neither an imitator or impersonator of Johnny Cash - instead, Kay is more like a musical biographer, bringing the life and music of Cash to the people.  Rather like a journey, Kay takes audiences and listeners on a musical ride to the simpler times of days gone by."

 

Like Cash, Kay's upbringing involved a huge emphasis on family and on music. With seven brothers and sisters, it was his parents Anne and Bernard who exposed the family to one of the most recognizable voices in all of country music."

"Since finding himself within the music, Kay has played with gospel groups, in churches, restaurants and anywhere people would listen."

 

"With striking similarity to the Man in Black, Kay went on to join a tribute band from Hamilton based on the legendary 80's foursome of Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings and of course, Johnny Cash."

 

"Kay is not Johnny Cash, nor does he imitate the country music legend.  Instead, Kay is a vehicle for those who loved the music of the Man in Black; a vehicle for remembering the importance Cash had on country music; and a true gentleman."

 

 

"Randy Kay: paying his respects to Mr. Cash" 

 

"At first listen the similarity between Randy Kay's voice to Johnny Cash's stands out, as does the clean, stripped down acoustic sound, but as the album progresses, Randy Kay's own interpretations, and his ability to sustain notes more than Cash ever did, reveals   Full  Circle   to be a Randy Kay album of Johnny Cash material rather than an imitation."

 

"Keith Glass is to be commended, as is Randy Kay, for doing a recording of songs by such a powerful, unique voice, without descending to fawning imitation"

 

FULL  CIRCLE   is a satisfying recording."

 

 

 

"... a performer who could look and sound like Johnny Cash, they also got Kay's knowledge of Cash and the history of country music"

 

 

 

 

"Randy Kay certainly sounds a whole lot like the man to whom he pays tribute"

 

"Randy Kay is a sincere man whose personal life reflects a deep conviction and a genuine caring for those less fortunate.  Much like Johnny Cash!"

 

"I didn't ask Randy Kay if he was a born-again Christian, although that is the impression that he left.  "If I won the lottery", he told me "I'd probably give it all away".

 

 

 

I perform traditional country, rockabilly, bluegrass and gospel music with some blues twists and overtones.  I write my own songs.  I play dobro, banjo and mandolin but I am a vocalist and guitar player first and foremost.

November 21/2003 - Toronto, Ontario -Marco's Studios - Professional photo shoot for promo of our 'tribute act'.  We were photographed by the same people who did the actual Highwaymen and we even signed our names on the 'Wall of Fame' just like our heroes had done.

 

February 11 - Burlington, Ontario - Shooten Studios - meet with E.J., Terry and Mike, the other cast members from our Highwaymen Tribute Show and record ... "The Highwayman" for our promo paks

 

 

 

April 27&28 had us hoppin' at the studio... our co-producer, Mr. Keith Glass of Prairie Oyster fame, and winner of guitarist of the year awards, along with Mr. Michael Ball on the stand-up acoustic bass and Mr. Peter Bigras on drums, we recorded 12 songs for my album, "FULL   CIRCLE".  We did this in a "live setting" at the studio to capture the essence of the way it was done by the rock-a-billiers of the 50's, and like that of the legendary ...  "SUN STUDIOS".    We used todays technology, but yesteryears methodology and even allowed "bleeding" to occur.  Bleeding is when signals from one source enter into that of another ... instrument mic bleeds into vocal mic, drums and other instruments bleed into each other.  I went back April 29 and again with Sue on the 30th to do the final mixing.  This project has made all of us very tired as we accomplished this task in "record time" ... pardon the pun, as we all worked into the wee hours ... around and past midnight.  It has been said ..."now that took alota' 'balls'"... , recording 'live' with no overdubs and doing these songs from start to finish in 'one take'!  Well, the orders have actually begun.  People see me around the village and are asking for "how do we get one".  Please contact Sue or myself, by telephone, by email or come over to the house ... we will see that you get one.

 

Keith Glass dropped by our house on Saturday afternoon to visit Sue and I and to talk about the album ... more reviewing before we publish it.

 

I would like to take this opportunity to say a "special thanks" to my whole family ... they are very supportive of all my endeavours.  My mom calls me the "prodigal son" ... I guess I was born to ramble and wander, it must have something to do with that untamed free spirit in me!!!  I've been a "maverick", a "rebel with a cause!" and always for the "underdog" and workin' man ... and ladies too!

 

May 20 - Photo Shoot for our new  CD: FULL CIRCLE    I met Mike Weiland at the studio then headed over to Ebb's Road near Carleton Place, Ontario ... very windy day but we were able to do our business

 

May 29 - to Michael Wieland's in Ottawa ... the photos are done.

 

June 16 - Perth, Ontario - met with Keith Glass to finalize the graphics and art work for the CD.

 

June 30 - meet Keith at the studio pick up our CD's ...

 

July 11 - Napanee, Ontario - Gospel Sunday - my CD/record, has been very well received.  Rory & Brenda Cranston, pullled their new dodge pickup to the front main stage and opened the doors and played my CD for everyone to hear ... We sat under the 'big tent' and sang alot of good ole gospel songs

 

August 28 - Kingston, Ontario - Wedding for Sherry&Bruce at their residence.   I was Honourary M.C. for the stage and alot of good entertainers were present: Debbie Barkley, Sheila Beddard, Ian Bell, Tyler Tallen, Dan Gibbs, Betty Gibbs, Pat Rogers and the bride herself ... Sherry

 

September 11 (911) -  Remember 9-11 and say a prayer that this 'cowardly act' by terrorists never happens again

 

September 12, 2004 - 1st Anniversary of Mr.Cash's passing into 'Heaven'

 

October 2 - Lois White's Memorial

 

October 6,7,8,9,10 - NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - see special page link

 

October 14, 2004 - E.J.(Earl James) Cooper aka "Willie Nelson Tribute" - Oshawa Ontario - attend to the funeral and at the request of Elaine(wife) & family & provide gospel music for EJ's service.  I wrote a verse to "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" in EJ's honour and sang it with one chorus, I Saw A Man and Amazing Grace - goodbye EJ-'Willie-look-alike

 

Nov 6 - Perth, Ontario - Musicians Christmas Party &  Appreciation Night & Benefit - Perth Legion's Main Hall - funds to Angel Tree Fund.  

 

Dec 10 - Sharbot Lake, Ontario - Festival of the Trees - there was an 'Ice Storm' that turned into a snow storm, yet the people came out to see me do my thing.  I took a one hour program and gave them close to two, as I figured anybody who would venture out in these conditions ... deserve it.  Ray Donaldson, from Lanark (about 50 minutes north of here) joined me.  Ray and I did a demo a few years ago that went to Nashville.  Ray and I performed some Christmas & gospel music, but mostly we gave 'em country ... in particular my tribute to Johnny Cash.  I also did some of my own music.  We were well received and we kept our audience on the edge of their seats for close to two hours.

 

Dec 12 - Arden, Ontario - Arden Community Christmas Concert - well, it was another stormy night, but the hall was packed.  My portion was at the last of the evenings roster.  I sang "Jesus Loves Me" for the little ones and reminded them only 13 more sleeps to go 'til the man in the red suit comes and we will then celebrate 'the birthday of our LORD and SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST.  I did my thing with a bunch of good ole country music &  some gospel favourites, as that's what they asked me to do ... songs of CA$H, Haggard, Waylon and closed with my own gospel song "Lord, I Am Not Worthy".

 

Dec 13 - Nashville Tennessee - Living Word Radio -  interviewed "live, on-air", with a 'DJ', Jeremiah, and I got to wish everybody in middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky (their immediate listening zone) a very Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year, as well Jeremiah announced my coming back to Nashville for a Tribute to Johnny Cash where I will open up the show for a Tommy Cash Concert ... his tribute to his brother.

 

 

 

 

Jan 17 - Nashville, Tennessee, Living Word Radio - Interview with Jeremiah "Live On Air" on WNAH 1360 AM during his Johnny Cash Gospel Show.  Jeremiah reminded all the folks out there that I will be the 'opening act' for Tommy Cash, on Sept12, 2005 ... a Tribute to the Music of Johnny Cash

 

Feb 14 - Nashville, Tennessee - From the studio of WNAH, in Music Row, have an interview "On Air - live" with Jeremiah for Living Word Radio.

 

March 13,14,15,16,17 - Nashville Tennessee - see special page link

 

March 14 - Nashville, Tennessee - Attend the studio of WNAH 1360 AM in MUSIC ROW "LIVE ON-AIR" interview and sing on Jeremiah's Gospel Show,  with Hoyt Carter of WNAH, Jeremiah Herrera, Dan Blackstock and my wife Suzanne.  I sang, I Saw A Man, my own song Lord, I Am Not Worthy, I Saw The Light, Will The Circle Be Unbroken as well as do mic work announcing and to introduce my new radio program, Randy Kay's Country Classics Show, soon to come

 

April 23 - South Mountain, Ontario - Lions Club 'Fund Raiser' and Dinner Theatre - it was billed as "The Man In Black Tour with Randy Kay" and what a 'tour' it was.  They wouldn't let us leave ... so we played on!  Shawn McCullough (electric lead guitar), Rick Gervais (electric bass) and Lou Charette (drums) did an awesome job for me complete with vocals and harmony to round out the night's performance.  

 

May 7 - Fort Coulonge, Quebec - CHIP FM 101.7 - appear on Stan Callaghan's Show, Country Jamboree from Noon - 1PM - A "LIVE" music presentation. Rick Gervais joined me and played electric lead guitar. Stan promoted my CD and upcoming show in Nashville for September 12/05, the 2nd Anniversary of the passing of a country music legend ... Mr. Johnny CA$H

 

May 7 - Ottawa, Ontario - Eastview Hall - Terry McCann Jamboree - Rick Gervais on electric guitar, Eddie Ashton on bass, Bob Tougas on drums, Freddie Pitz on steel guitar, Terry McCann on "harp(harmonica)" all joined me for my session ... and what a session we had ... a promoter, Don McKenzie, was flabergasted! ... he said (quote) "this is a first class production, unbelieveable!" ... we did have a great time

 

May 14 - Crediton, Ontario - Crediton Community Hall - a promoter, Mr. Ralph McComb, organized a benefit concert for the wife, Elaine, of the late E.J. Cooper (aka 'Willie Nelson' Tribute).  I closed the evenings program and want to thank everyone for the kind words and compliments.   Thanks for buying our CD.   Thanks to Earl Filsinger (electric lead & pedal steel), Kyle Mac Donald (electric guitar), Chris on drums, Dale on bass and Alex on piano ... Ralph said (quote)" this is the best 'Tribute' to Johnny Cash I have ever seen or heard, Mr. Kay truly is an artist in his own rite" ... thnx Ralph for your kind words

 

May 15 - London, Ontario - Canadian Corps 1PM - 5PM - Ralph organized another concert.  I want to thank everyone for taking photos and buying my CD: FULL CIRCLE.  Thanks to Doug Kennedy (a Tribute to Merle Haggard) and Dan(Scott Daniels a Tribute to Toby Keith & Alan Jackson) for their excellent performances and to Gary Boyle.  I want to thank Kyle, Dale, Alex and Doug ... the band.  I do my work "Live" with no tracks ... it is 'what you see is what you get'.   Ralph was thrilled with the energy of the show, he said (quote) "Randy, this is just fabulous and the people like your performance as it is honest and real, and is the best 'Tribute' to Johnny Cash they have ever heard or seen.  They really like the fact you are yourself and not an impersonator".  

Again, thanks alot Ralph for your kind words

 

May 24 - California, U.S.A. - Vivian (Liberto, Cash, Dix) passes away. Vivian was the first wife of J.R. "Johnny" Cash

 

June 4 - near Norwood, Ontario - Calder Farm - Private Party - Jason Calder shipping out with the Canadian Air Force to Afghanistan

 

June 21, 22, 23 - KIX Country 102.7 - radio announcement on 'guest line up' for the upcoming grand opening of Merkleys Automotive

 

June 24 - Kingston, Ontario - Merkley's Automotive "Grand Opening" with BIG "G" from radio station  KIX 102.7 'Live' on site, Big Tom of Virginia from the Survivor Series and Randy Kay with his feature tribute to Johnny Cash

 

August 20 - Kingston, Ontario - KGH for John Forrester with Dan Gibbs & then over to Tallon's with Ian Bell, Dan Gibbs, Betty Gibbs & Sherry Woods

 

August 27 - Norwood, Ontario - "GOINS' ON" , hosted by Jim & Brenda Calder out at their 250 acre spread

 

September 12 - NASHVILLE, Tennessee - Johnny Cash Tribute Night - 2nd Anniversary of the passing of Mr. Johnny Cash - organized by Paul Richey - Hotel Preston, Bernie's Lounge - joined by Mr. "Cowboy" Eddie Long, steel guitar player for Hank Williams Jr and Kenny Chesney

 

October 26 - Sharbot Lake, Ontario - Sharbot Lake & District LIONS Club 29th Annual Seniors Night at the High School Auditorium - A night of variety acts.  Eddie Ashton joined me on his bass guitar as we did our portion of the show with country music.

 

October 30 - Ompah, Ontario - Hunter's Lounge at Alice's Restaurant - a farewell party was organized by the friends of Alice Davey as she has sold her business and will retire at age 81.  Gib Dunham called me and asked me to join in the fun. 

 

October 30 - Ompah, Ontario - The 'After' Party - at Gib Dunham's - we continued on with the tunes on Saturday night over at Gib's place.

 

November 6 - Lanark Ontario - Hunters Ball Country Jamboree - a full house.  The deer season for rifle opens on Monday and many of the camps were busy with the hunters coming in. 

 

November 12 - Perth Ontario - Royal Canadian Legion Jamboree - Debbie Barclay drove up from Verona and we went over to the jamboree.  Eddie Ashton ran the events of the day and I had a busy afternoon of singing and playing guitar for some of the other acts.

 

November 12 - Perth Ontario - Main Stage Hall - RCLegion Br 244 - that evening there was action in the 'main stage' side of the hall.  Ed Ashton set up the PA and sound and Debbie and I joined in. 

 

November 19 - Kingston Ontario - Sherry & Bruce's - Bluegrass Session with Betty & Sherry, Big Dan Gibbs and Ian Bell. 

 

December 11 - Flinton Ontario - Thru the Roof - an evening of great country & bluegrass music, primarily gospel.  Rick Cameron, master of ceremonies, invited me and I had a lot of fun with Ronnie Clark, Doreen Black, Gordie Wright and Rick.

 

December 15 - Perth Ontario - Private Function

 

December 17 - Bristol Quebec - Municipality of Bristol Quebec CHRISTMAS Party - the Honourary Jack Graham, Mayor of Bristol, called me back some time ago to engage my services to do a night of 'Johnny Cash' music and other country favourites, in the Randy Kay styled show.   The show dubbed "The Man in Black Tour with Randy Kay", with Terry Donahue suppling the excellent lead guitar work & Eddie Ashton, with his unique rhythmic style bass joined me as we 'trio-ed' to provide the evening's entertainment.

 

December 18 - Flinton Ontario - Thru the Roof - I joined Rick & Doreen and Ronnie as we did more country & bluegrass music, and again most of it gospel.  Special guests were Jim on his guitar and Ron's uncle Charlie Pringle who is amazing at singing and yodelling ... he is over 80! ... just awesome!

 

 

 

 

July, August, September, October, November & December (except those that are published here) concerts postponed due to contract with AJILON Communications and BELL CANADA