Known for continuing the tradition of Grateful Dead and Hippie music in Tucson, local guitarist and singer Randy Clamons passed away today after suffering a stroke on the morning of Sunday, June 2.
Clamons was a regular performer at many Tucson establishments, including The Hut, where his jam band the Top Dead Center performed their “Mike and Randy 420 Show” every Saturday.
As soon as news of his passing broke, dozens of local musicians and friends wrote tributes to Clamons, calling him a local legend, a splendid musician and all-around great human.
His son Ray, who plays drums in Top Dead Center, wrote:
“My Dad Randy Clamons passed away this morning around 8am. Peacefully in bed after having a stroke Sunday morning. He would say, ‘When the day comes you will never be ready.’ He was right.”
This article appears in May 30 – Jun 5, 2019.
So sad…such a Tucson Icon…a great friend ..Randy had just written me a few days before he passed to apologize for missing my show on may 3…THATS the kind of guy Randy was .I will miss him greatly …
There is no greater benefit to mankind than to enrich the lives of others through creating and sharing music, no strings attached just enjoy and feel good. Thank You for a life well spent….
Randy had hired me to be his special guest this Saturday. I am sad to lose him because he was a great musician who never said anything bad about anyone, but also sad because I won’t have the pleasure of jamming with him this weekend and being wowed by his musical ideas. Rest easy, Randy, you were a kind man and a great friend.
Randy, you will be missed.
Randy was a great friend , he helped me in mamy ways, and on many of my charity events ! Favorite , Randy n Mike playing on a golf charity on the course itself .. playing there songs as golfers shot for a closest to the hole contest
a wonderful distraction .. Randy so loved by all. Dark Star Randy Dark Star ! You always played it 4 me R.I.P.
I played a 420 gig with TDC summer of 2017, my first time as a sax player playing Grateful Dead tunes. Randy made me feel comfortable and was gracious both on stage and off. My condolences to his family and friends, he was a good guy.
He was a blessed soul. I was inspired by him always to dig deeper. I never once heard an unkind word from him and he brought so many together. I will never forget his smile and his kindness.
Randy always thought of others, rarely of himself. Of course he loved playing the music, but even more he loved the people and the sense of community that surrounded the band. He gave his time and energy each year to benefit the Food Bank as a way to give back to the Tucson community who supported him and his music. He was a great man and will be remembered far more than his music.