Randy: ‘The audience always lit up when we played’
The Strawberry Alarm Clock turned out to be one of those magical bands, thanks to the chemistry of the players and the music it produced. The audience always lit up when we played.
I’ve had great and wonderful times getting back with the group, feeling the same chemistry and excitement from our audiences.
Here’s the story of how I got my start and joined the band:
At the age of 5, I used my folk’s furniture as drums. It wasn’t long after that my Dad got me a practice-pad drum set and private lessons.
I knew I liked playing and it was in kindergarten that I learned the power and communication of drums. I was given a drum during our group exercise to keep the beat while my fellow classmates walked in line. I soon found I could make everybody run or come to a slow crawl depending on the speed I played.
Growing up in Riverside, Calif., I loved listening to Gene Krupa and Sandy Nelson. At 8 years old, I joined my first band, a trio called the Goldtones with Glenn Campbell, a steel guitar player who later went onto play with the Misunderstood and Joe Cocker. After we won my first talent show, I graduated from a two-piece Slingerland set to a four-piece Gretch.
Winning that contest got us noticed and we started playing live on a country radio station every Sunday. When I was 10, we went on a tour of bowling alleys in California, playing backing up for Kirby Grant of the TV show “Sky King” and performing our first single “Strike” along with the B-side “Gutterball.”
The Goldtones grew to a six-piece band. I started singing, playing vibes, marimbas and bongos.
I started getting into Louis Belson and other double bass drum players. I added a tom-tom and bass drum to my set making it a six-piece. I then set out to learn all percussion instruments.
We made our first album at the Teen Beat Club in Las Vegas and it featured my first original, “Midnight in Vegas.” My Dad told me that a new English act playing a concert at the Convention Center needed a drummer. The act was Peter and Gordon.
The audition consisted of my Dad playing them a demo tape and I was hired on spot. The show went great and at 14 years old I had performed in my first major concert. I knew then that was what I wanted to do.
During my Junior High School years, I was in the marching and jazz bands. In 9th grade, our jazz band won a local competition, which entitled us to play for and be critiqued by Stan Kenton. I learned so much that day, what a great memory!
Soon after that my father felt my musical advancement was limited in Riverside so our family moved to the San Fernando Valley. Check out this Inland Empire radio station writeup: (PDF). That’s when I left the Goldtones to become a rock star in Los Angeles.
I started taking singing, acting and dancing lessons. It was after I joined Act III that I learned music theory for harmonizing. During this time I was making good money playing drums in the college pub scene.
At the same time L.A. music and psychedelic rock were taking off. Almost in the same month I auditioned for Sky Saxon and the Seeds, the Electric Prunes and the new and upcoming Sixpence, which later became the Strawberry Alarm Clock.
I was hired by the Strawberry Alarm Clock to create harmony and sing second lead on “Incense and Peppermints.” When their drummer quit, I was hired as a drummer, writer and lead singer. The Strawberry Alarm Clock gained its fame from the single “Incense and Peppermints” off the gold album of the same name.
Hey Randy, Don’t know or expect you to remember me but you had a strong influence in my musical taste and were an inspiration. You had such a great attitide! You helped me believe every gig is worth playing as long as the music is good! Thanks my friend. Once upon a time I had the opportunity to jam with you on some military gig where we all showed up for the gig and had never even met before, it turned out to be a fun night and I was amazed it was you I was playing with. Life a trip! Good to see you’re still at it.
I’d love to have that psychedelic drum set. Wonder if he still has it.
Hi Randy, You may longer remember me or Isabel. We met you when you were about 12 years old.
You lived with your parents. We where the ones who lived in the back house and did handy work for
your parents. Its been a long time. I often wandered what happened to you and your brother. E-mail me
and give me an update on your family.
Goldtones at the Teenbeat Club, Las Vegas, 4416 Paradise Rd. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teenbeat_Club
Hi Randy, I hope you can remember me. I lived in Riverside when you were living there. My father, Robert T. Grant was a local talent show producer and had your group, the Goldtones on his shows. You were 14 years old at the time and I was 9. I guess I became your first “drum lesson student,” up until the time you guys moved. I remember your family, my family and Sky King over at our house on Maude St., in Riverside and we all drove up to a Resteraunt in Idyllwild (San Jacinto) CA., were we had dinner and later you played a set of drums there. We also went to KFXM in San Bernardino, CA, where your group (The Goldtones) recorded “Strike” and “Gutterball.” Whow, how time has passed. Hope you can find the time to drop a message. Hope you are in good health!
Hi Randy – I remember like it was yesterday when you and the Goldtones played in my backyard for my Ramona High School graduation party and my 80 yr. old grandmother got up, took your microphone and sang “Hello Dolly” while you played the drums and the band sang and played along! And your 16th (?) birthday dinner we had at the “White Sands” in Riverside along with your brother and Sue! I used to love coming over to your house and listen to you practice after school – your discipline was so impressive! Wonder whatever happened to Warren who was occasionally there and I think played the keyboard!
The “Starcapades” talent show was always a treat for the whole high school, because we always knew it was a “given” that Randy Seol would win 1st place playing the drums! We all loved it. Remember sitting on my front porch on San Marcos with Susan and I? My son, Dennis, went on to become a good drummer, and you were his role model! In fact, myself, son and daughter listen to your Strawberry Alarm Clock band to this day! How wonderful it would be to see you again. I’m so proud of your success, however it comes as no surprise!! Your music is great, we love it. Sharon Dunkle
Hi Randy — Would love to see one of your shows if youre still playing! Am in Carlsbad, CA now so look me up!
Hi Randy! With as many people as you have met along your journey, doubt you will remember me. I have been pulling together memorabilia from Palm Springs past, and I came across a photo of the Howard Manor. It brought me back to when your band played there for a period of time.
You, and your group members, would have gatherings at your hotel room, after the bar closed. I do remember you being a heck of a nice guy. What REALLY sticks out in my mind is losing my undies. LOL! I had taken a dip in the pool, and when I went to retrieve my clothing from your bathroom, my bikinis had mysteriously disappeared.
On my next visit, hanging on a piece of driftwood on your hotel room wall were a pair of green bikini underwear…MINE.
Remember me now? HeeHee!
Glad to see you are still out there spreading joy throughout the land. 🙂
Randy, I remember my friends at the time I attended Taft High School, said you were a student there at the same time in 1966. Is that true?
Randy and I and Steve Bartek and Howie Anderson all went to Taft High…..in Woodland Hills, CA.
Randy and I graduated in 1967, Steve in 1969 and Howie several years later.
Randy doesn’t get online too often…
So did I, remember you Randy, working for my Dad.
Hi Randy!
What became of the young lady you “won” on “The Dating Game”?
Randy, you probley don’t remember me’ we met and talked at two parties hosted by Jennifer Bold. Because of your encouragement’ I started out again and have ended up doing Neil Young tribute music. Got some questions and would love hearing from you.
Hi Randy, I know you probably don’t remember me, but I was in a band called the D’Matics. We played and won the Star capades best combo act the year after The Goldtones won. You guys played the intermission, and later that year we both played a concert at the park at Fairmont Park. The Goldtones and The D’Matics did a grand finale together. Our drummer at the time was Joe Wells, who had the same drum teacher you had. A few years back, I was servicing the first aid kits at a local Ford dealership, and I saw the name Seol (can’t remember his first name) on an office door. I asked him if he was related and it was your brother. Small world. Well, I just wanted to say hi.
Aloha Randy,
I met you back in 1969 in Hawaii. I was in a band with a friend of your named Grag Jenkins. You allowed us to hang out with you and your band mates there at your hotel in Kahala. I was the drummer, and you were most amazing percussionist I had got to see and get up close to. I’m living in the Philippines now and still making music. That was such a magical time in Hawaii and great memories. Thanks for your kindness in letting us hang with you!
I am so happy to find your website. My dad Kenneth Naylor Sr. played some really good bass riffs with the GOLDTONES. He gave us much pride that he played for the Goldtones as a bass player and after he helped you find the name of Strawberry Alarm Clock Band.
Randy, it was perfect that my father helped you find the name of your band by going in your bedroom. The Strawberry Alarm Clock you both found at your house shaped an awesome psychedelic surfer age that was awesome. That name was so fitting during that period and I salute you..
May you always rock.. 😉
Ken Naylor was a good friend of mine and lived right down the street from me. I remember his guitar playing and his experiments with designing speakers. You must be his son. Where is Ken now?
I’ve always wondered where Ken was also. We were good friends and he played bass in my band ‘The Dimensions’ before joining the ‘Gold Tones’.
hi Ken Jr, you were a young man when I used to hang out with your dad, I am the big one eyed Indian who partied at your folks house in Graham, wa. my name is denny Corum, still playing, I remember the albums you showed me, tell your mom hi!
Hey Randy,
I met you in 1967 when my grandfather was dating your grandmother. He and my folks were invited to dinner at your folks in the Valley, and I got picked up from home to come meet you guys. I was 12 at the time! That was a long time ago! I’m still a Valley girl and I happened to hear that you will be coming to a Valley venue near me in the near future. I go there for their Wednesday open mics and was quite surprised to discover that your band will be making an appearance. Must see!
Hello Randy,
About 1978, when I was 21 or so, I used to sell gold jewelry at the Leucadia Flea Market, called “Peddlers Village.” I befriended another gentleman also sold at the Flea Market selling Sea Shells. I knew him as Randy Seol. He mentioned to me that he had been the drummer for Strawberry Alarm Clock. I visited with him on several occasions at his home in San Diego. Eventually I began selling sea shells for Randy, along with my jewelry. Was this indeed you?
Yes. That was him. My late husband, David T Smith, played in a band Randy led and Randy had him working for him preparing the shells for a while.
David tried to get in touch with him maybe 3-ish years ago, but alas, Randy never responded. Now it’s too late.
You didn’t mention the time we spent in Mr. Otteson’s vocal music class at Sierra Jr High. Back then I was deciding whether to pursue a music career, but I wasn’t as committed as you. For better or worse I followed other interests. I remember several times you played the vibes on the school PA at the beginning of the day. I did the same on accordion a few times. Hopefully you have forgotten that. In late ’67 the Fugs and SAC played at the Ambassador Theater in Washington D.C. I was there. I tried to get backstage to say high, but wasn’t able to. You would still have remembered me then. I am finding that getting old sucks for the most part. I hope time has treated you well. Good to see you are still hanging in there.
Hi Randy…
I remember when you played drums at a Sierra Junior High assembly…’64..maybe!
You blew us all away!
Thanks!
Hey Randy, i was there at Melodyland in July 1968 to see you and the fellas plus The Seeds live. i was all but 12 years old and we still remember what a great show you guys did. My Mother,younger brother and i all were there to watch you guys and the Seeds crank it up’. My mother is 92 years young now and she still remembers that evening way back then. i still have the original “Incense and peppermints” album that i purchased way back when it was first released and still sounds “excellent”…Thanks for the memories”
Hey, Randy…You darn well better remember me! Even our parents were friends in Riverside. What ever happened to your parents and brother? Would love to hear from you. Will be in So Cal for most of July. Currently live in Freeland WA on “beautiful Whidbey Island”. Oh, I hope you respond, Always, DeAnn
Randy. This is Mary Morgan, Ernie Morgan’s wife. I just wanted to let you know that Ernie passed away
on Thursday, June 23rd. He suffered a heart attack while surfing and died instantly. He will be buried in
Oklahoma, and we will have a memorial service for him in Oceanside on Saturday, August 27th. I don’t expect you to come, I just wanted to inform you.
He had become a very strong Christian oner the years, so I know he’s with the Lord.
God Bless. Mary 619-855-2752
I forgot to tell mention to you the most important thing…..He always considered you the “best drummer he
ever knew”. I think you knew that. God Bless You Randy. MM
Randy — Not sure if you remember me but I live on Agnes street and went to Mt View Elementary school and Sierra. Also played drums at both Mt View and Sierra. Was also in a band at Sierra that played local talent shows. I believe I was 2-3 years older than you since I graduated in 64 and I remember you graduating in 67. I’m still playing drums, bongos, congas, djembe and other percussion instruments with our churches Praise and Worship Team. I have always been inspire by your play and the Strawberry Alarm Clock!
Hello Randy — I don’t think we’ve ever met but I always liked your drumming. I also grew up as a young drummer in Riverside. I’ve been trying to find information on a band mate of mine back then Dennis Dawson who played a B3 and also managers Chuck and Beth Arrowood. I believe they used to speak of you and the gold tones and was wondering do you remember them well and what is your band managed by them for a while? Keep on Rockin
You and I had the same Jr High band director about 10 years assist… Lloyd Mummert!
Hay randy its been a while still at it ‘A’. Email me.
Hola Randy, Quisiera saber como piensas celebrar los 50 años de ” incense and Peppermint”, vas a sacar el disco vinilo original o relanzar nuevamente e, vinilo, cd y cassette el album? o smplemente no vas a hacer nada.
Hello Randy, hope you are doing well. My family and I lived next to you and your parents at 6339 Fulton Ave. In Van Nuys in the 60’s …
Randy- Saw the comment from Joe Brown from a few years back. I don’t know if you are still checking this site, but our group was in the Star Capades the year you won. We were the folk group, had blue shirts and blue lighting so we almost disappeared on the stage in contrast to you and the Gold Tones. You came over to Hemet to meet with us about possibly forming a group, but we were sticking to folk music. Never know what might have happened if we had chosen a different path, but we were not surprised when you went on to a successful career. Congrats!
Also, my sister Christy came to one of your shows and you were kind enough to talk to her back stage. She was thrilled. Thanks for that also!
Steve Hale
Oh, how I loved your music! “Incense and Peppermints” became my “theme song”, as I was a flower child wanna be lost in south Texas! I bought the album and played it so much it wore out, so my next step is to buy the CD. Love you guys, and it’s good to know you’re all still alive and makin’ music!
I was thinking about the days when we knew all of the songs and could sing along with the radio, so I Googled the lyrics for Incense and Peppermints, because many times we had them wrong. You lived on Mt. View and I lived on Jurupa. I sometimes would ride my bike down your street (10th grade) and if I was lucky, listen to you guys practice.
I believe you guys played for our graduation in 1967 at Ramona. Glen Campbell went with Rod Piazza and the Dirty Blues Band, and me and Randy Kramer hauled their equipment for their gig at Ash Grove in Hollywood with Randys Woodie. Anyway, just a flash from the past
9 and, if I was lucky, listen to you guys practice. I believe you guys played for our graduation in 1967 at Ramona. Glen Campbell went with Rod Piazza and the Dirty Blues Band
1964 Arlington Theater talent contest. We beat you, the Riptones later called The Velvets. Winner got a Custom Craft guitar, not worth 20 bucks at the time. You were a good loser Randy. However, need to point out we had the place jammed with our fellow middle school students. Winner was the one with the loudest applause. There were 4 of us and one of you and it was close.
Hey Randy – Does the name Melting Pot bring back any memories! I was in Legend with John Mason in San Diego in the late 70s! I remember your cage of drums.
Do you happen to remember David T. Smith? He was the keyboard player in the Melting Pot. David just passed away. I was with him for the last 11 years of his life. Those years spent with him were the best years of my life. We gigged together and lived life together.
Hi there Randy. I know you don’t remember me, as I started Sierra JH (Riverside) just after you graduated. Don’t remember you at Ramona, but we were neighborhood chums, nonetheless. Anyway, I’m glad someone from the ‘hood made it big in showbiz. As for me, my musical aspirations (as a drummer) didn’t receive much encouragement nor support from my family, so after graduating from Ramona HS (’70), I pursued an entirely different (public service) career. BTW, I’ve been a long time SAC fan. — d.w. jones, Brownsville, CA
Hi, Just love this band, I learned to play drums by listening to the music, still today It brings back so many blessing to me. I can not play anymore from a stroke I had, and now in a nursing home, but must say, Please keep the music of SAC alive and well. Thank you so much for all the talent the band has. Lee Freedman rest in peace, my Brother….
Randy like the others in the band is obviously an incredibly talented professional. What a wonderful career and what wonderful achievements. I admire Randy and all his colleagues.
Just want a address to send a letter to Randy from a 3yr old fan. knows all the words and sings the song all the time. Please if anyone knows Thanks-Brian Wilson
Hi Randy!
When you lived on the 1737 block of Beretania St. in Honolulu, I was in my early teens and babysat for you and Kathy when you used to play for “Sun and Moon.” You even helped me out for a high school project across the street. Remember filming a joust by two kids on bicycles clad in complete cardboard armor? I always appreciated you, your family and your tremendous sense of humility and joy.
Very Cool Was She The Kathy From The Dating Game Episode 👍?
I grew up in Riverside, but didn’t meet you until the late 70s.We played together in a band, from North San Diego County, called Freefall. We rehearsed st my house occasionally in Vista. I played bass in that band.In 1981 I started working with with Gary Puckett [5 years], then Spanky & Our Gang [2 years], The Association [5 years], and The Mamas & The Papas [1 year]. In 1980. Some of those years overlapped with a couple of those bands.
Around 1988 we [The Association] played a show, where one one of the other bands was Strawberry Alarm Clock. I think that was in New York, maybe.
I believe that. at the time, Jon Wolmsley [Jadon on the The Waltins TV show 🙂 ] was playing in the band.We were about to appear on Solid Gold, and Jason offered to help us on an endorsement deal with a guitar manufacturer, part of the deal was to play their instruments on the show. Jason was very helpful.
It didn’t occur to me at the time that you might still be involved with the band.I’m still in North County, and still playing. If the stars align properly, I look forward to meeting up with sometime in the near future.
Hey Randy, never really heard the story of your adventures in L.A. after the Goldtones broke up. I left the band a few months before you to go to Big Sur and SanFrancisco. I’ve spent most of my life in Seattle Wa. Played in some great bands, opened for national acts and did lots of studio work from the 70’s-90’s. I hope you’re healthy and happy.
Can’t get enough of your face. Or, your drumming! They broke the mold after you
Randy – There is no way you would remember me and my kid sister but as ships pass in the ocean, one always wakes and moves the other. Your band Strawberry Alarm Clock would play in a town up the coast- name of Santa Maria, which had a rather large park, summer of ’67. Someone would pass a hat then run down and rent a generator and suddenly everyone had instruments; and as Arlo Guthrie says- ‘instruments of destruction’ to pass around; in their vehicles- even the park rangers got to be-boppin’.
My kid sister was a couple of years younger, a head taller and slender than I and a brainy nerd that was a track star, much taller than most young men of her age – just your size. You would talk to her like a real person and respectfully. She thought you were so-o-o cute she would get tongue-tied the first couple of times you did that. but it did wonders for her self confidence, If you had been a bit more jaded and worldly it would have scared her off for a long time- nice boys were not very “in” at the time.
In a weird co-incidence, we actually got to meet Sky Saxon when the Seeds played the Rose Garden in Pismo Beach. I hooked up with one of their roadies and we both got back stage – in front of some of the kids we went to school with watching! Jan Savage had his shirt off when we were ushered in to the dressing room, and his face got bright red and he scrambled to get a shirt on,! I grinned and she just salivated. We even had our pictures taken with them. Great memories the two of us shared for years. Thank you for what you did for her.
The Strawberry Alarm Clock always brought such a vibrant energy to their performances. You could feel the excitement in the crowd whenever they played. Randy’s journey from drumming at age 5 to joining the band is truly inspiring