The Baked Potato Jazz Club Documentary

Don Randi
Owner of the Baked Potato

Baked Potato club owner, Don Randi, was raised in the Catskill Mountains of New York State where he began studying classical piano at the age of six. In 1954, after the death of his father, Don and his mother moved to Los Angeles. A year later, he took a job as stock boy for a record distribution house where he was exposed to composer Horace Silver's, "Senor Blues." At that moment Jazz music won his heart.

Performing professionally in Los Angeles at the age of 19, Don quickly established himself in the R&B and Rock circuit of the 1960's. He soon became one of the busiest keyboard players in the recording business. Gaining popularity, Don became a bandleader and arranger for Phil Spector. He is recognized as being one of the original contributors of the famous Phil Spector "Wall of Sound" effect heard on hits of the 1960's and '70's.

In 1970, Don opened the Baked Potato Jazz club for business. This event also gave rise to the music of Don Randi and Quest, the Jazz group and house band that continues to play the "Spud" to this day. With over 15 recorded and released albums to their credit, Quest was recognized with a Grammy nomination for their album entitled "New Baby" in 1980.

Playing on over three hundred hit records, Don has worked with almost every major entertainer from the 1960's, '70's and '80's. He has performed and recorded with popular artists such as The Righteous Brothers, Linda Ronstadt, Quincy Jones, Cannonball Adderley, Herb Alpert, Sarah Vaughn and Frank Zappa. His piano playing can be heard on such hits as the Beach Boy's, "Help Me Rhonda" and "Good Vibrations," as well as "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'," by Nancy Sinatra.

Suffice to say, consciously or not, the talent of Don Randi has touched us all.




	Don Randi Owner of the Baked Potato Baked Potato club owner, Don Randi, was raised in the Catskill Mountains of New York State where he began studying classical piano at the age of six. In 1954, after the death of his father, Don and his mother moved to Los Angeles. A year later, he took a job as stock boy for a record distribution house where he was exposed to composer Horace Silver's, "Senor Blues." At that moment Jazz music won his heart. Performing professionally in Los Angeles at the age of 19, Don quickly established himself in the R&B and Rock circuit of the 1960's. He soon became one of the busiest keyboard players in the recording business. Gaining popularity, Don became a bandleader and arranger for Phil Spector. He is recognized as being one of the original contributors of the famous Phil Spector "Wall of Sound" effect heard on hits of the 1960's and '70's. In 1970, Don opened the Baked Potato Jazz club for business. This event also gave rise to the music of Don Randi and Quest, the Jazz group and house band that continues to play the "Spud" to this day. With over 15 recorded and released albums to their credit, Quest was recognized with a Grammy nomination for their album entitled "New Baby" in 1980. Playing on over three hundred hit records, Don has worked with almost every major entertainer from the 1960's, '70's and '80's. He has performed and recorded with popular artists such as The Righteous Brothers, Linda Ronstadt, Quincy Jones, Cannonball Adderley, Herb Alpert, Sarah Vaughn and Frank Zappa. His piano playing can be heard on such hits as the Beach Boy's, "Help Me Rhonda" and "Good Vibrations," as well as "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'," by Nancy Sinatra. Suffice to say, consciously or not, the talent of Don Randi has touched us all.