Randy Vanwarmer, really known for the 1978 hit "Just When I Needed You Most", has died in Seattle at the age of 48.
He passed away of complications from leukemia at the University of Washington Medical Centre on Monday night and had been ill for the past year.
His biggest hit "Just When I Needed You Most" spent more than 20 weeks on the Australian chart in 1979, reaching No. 17. In the United States it went to No. 4.
The great Westcoast album "Warmer" reached No. 67 in Australia in 1979 too.
Randy, born May 30, 1955 in Indian Hills, Colorado, has had other hit songs: "All I Have Tonight" (1981) and "Suzi Found A Weapon" (1981) received some airplay.
He recorded 4 albums for Bearsville-Warner Brothers Records between 1979 and 1984. Randy moved to Los Angeles in 1982 with his wife, Suzi Blosser, a former record executive for ABC and Warner Brothers.
After this era, Randy concentrated on songwriting. He has collaborated on several songs like Oak Ridge Boys "I Guess It Never Hurts To Hurt Sometimes" (1984 - number one Country hit in The U.S.A.) and for Alabama "I'm In A Hurry (And I Don't Know Why)" (1992 - also number one Country hit in The States).
Randy Vanwarmer songs have been featured on albums by Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Laura Branigan, Smokie and Billie Joe Royal among others.
Randy Vanwarmer represents several albums (with a few anthologies included).
On his website, here is the following information in the news section:
"Randy's latest project!
Randy's latest project is an album of songs by the great american composer Stephen Foster. Songs you know and love performed in a way you have never heard before. Check this site often for updates and news about when and where it will be available
Randy is gone
In early 2003 Randy was diagnosed with Leukemia and has recently undergone a bone marrow transplant at The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle Washington. There were many complications following the transplant and Randy died in his sleep Monday round midnight. He is the best brother in the whole world and I miss him very very much.
His music is his gift and he gave it to us all.
Ron Vanwarmer January 12, 2004"
Discography (albums):
1979 - Warmer (Island U.S.A.)
1980 - Terraform (Island U.S.A.)
1981 - Beat of Love (Bearsville U.S.A.)
1983 - Things That You Dream (Bearsville U.S.A.)
1988 - I Am (Capitol U.S.A.)
1990 - Every Now and Then
1994 - The Vital Spark
1995 - Third Child (Demon U.K.)
1996 - Sun Moon and Stars (JVC - Victor Japan)
1998 - Best of (Victor Japan)
2000 - Best of Randy Vanwarmer (Castle Communication U.K.)
? - American Morning, Greatest Hits
? - Terraform
Also on:
Bearsville Anthology
and
Bearsville Sampler
2003 was a sad year : Greg Guidry, Warren Zevon, Roger Voudouris... passed away...
And 2004 beginning with a sad news...
Posted by: jean philippe REJOU | January 15, 2004 at 09:32 PM
"You Left In The Rain, Without Closing The Door"
Why Randy wasn't a SUPERSTAR I'll never know.. (I guess you were just too far ahead of your time) I introduced Blane (my 8 month old son) to Randy's music today, while he was dancing with his mother to "YOUR LIGHT"
RIP Randy, (a life long fan) Chuck Porter~
Posted by: Chuck Porter | January 31, 2004 at 11:09 PM
I remember Randy Vanwarmer (or Randy Van as we knew him)when he played in a duo with Roger Moss in the folk clubs in Cornwall, England, in 1974, including the Cooking Pot folk club in Par run by Rog and Gill Butler aka Chucklefoot(he resided in Looe). His talent was recognised then and he was soon taken to America by Bearsville records. "Whatever You Decide" from the Terraform album was my personal favourite song. Should have been another hit. Deepest sympathies to his family.
Posted by: Neil Thomas | February 04, 2004 at 09:10 PM
The music of Warren Zevon, Robert Palmer, Roger Voudouris, & Randy VanWarmer will always remind us of the glory days of music from the late 70's & early 80's . It's ironic they all passed away within six months of each other, leaving us with some of their best musical efforts ever, some yet to be released. "Keep Them In Your Heart For A While."
Posted by: Frankie Marc Anthony | February 24, 2004 at 08:18 PM
I am an overnight DJ in Waltham. I was just playing Randy's hit, "Just When I Needed You Most" in this 5AM hour, and decided to Google him and see what came up, and was shocked to find out he had died! Along with Greg Guidry and Roger Voudouris! I remember Randy and Roger when they were played on 68 WRKO here in Boston.
Rest in peace guys. You're in a good place now!
Sincerely,
Your fan,
Jamie K. Branson on 10-01 'BRS.
Posted by: Jamie | March 04, 2004 at 11:56 AM
When my mother left us "Just when I needed you most" was playing on the radio that first night with her gone. I was 13. I think it is an incredible achievement to sum up millions of peoples thoughts and feelings with 3 minutes of music...and he did it time and time again.
It wasn't long enough.. but you did so much in a short time. There aren't many who can boast the same.
Greatly missed.
Posted by: A Friend | March 23, 2004 at 07:18 PM
Dear Suzi,
You have my deepest sympathies; I can't believe I didn't find out about this until now. I guess that maybe he and Keith are writing and singing together in Heaven now? Please call me if you ever, ever need anything at all -- including a sympathetic ear. After I lost Keith, twice, I thought I would never be alive inside again. You and Randy kept in touch with me, which meant so much! Unlike many in the business, Randy was truly a caring, compassionate, and REAL guy -- and I loved him for that! I wish I had known; I've been so involved in my own medical catastrophes -- I am so very, very sorry! I will be keeping you in my prayers, and I know Randy is safe and free from pain now, but I'll pray for him when I pray for Keith, and you, as well. You and Randy showed me nothing but kindness, in a world that can be ugly and nasty. I treasured that about you. I still do. I will try to get in touch with you by other means, and hope that I do. But if you see this, and I pray you do, please know that I am truly here for you, any time at all.
Much love,
Sharon in Nashville
Posted by: Sharon Palmer | June 19, 2004 at 04:09 AM
I introduced my 10- and 7-year-old daughters to Just When I Needed You Most this past weekend and they both loved it, particularly the younger one, who kept asking me to replay it in the car. I told them that the song was a standard and the older one asked me what that meant. We discussed the second verse and how the line "I've written letters that I'd like to send, if you would just send one to me" as a line that tells of an emotion far beyond the words. As we arrived home, I told them I would search on the Internet to see what had happened to Randy Vanwarmer, and was shocked to read that he has died. My deepest sympathy to his family. And while I do not know any other songs by Randy, the one I do know is truly one of the most beautiful ballads ever written or sung. John Nihmey, Ottawa, Canada.
Posted by: John Nihmey | July 12, 2004 at 04:32 AM
good stuff randy sleep well
Posted by: robert sperlinga | August 29, 2004 at 11:10 PM
I'm happy for Randy being now in heaven. You're at a good place now,Randy!:)
Posted by: Courtney Benton | September 12, 2004 at 02:19 AM
So sorry to learn of Randy's passing. His music touched me deeply, in particular the seldom heard "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind". My copy of this is poor and I constantly search for a better copy, in vain. My condolences to his family.
Posted by: Phil Davis | October 11, 2004 at 02:25 AM
GRAHAM FROM ENGLAND.JUST GOT COMPUTER AND FOUND OUT.LORD,NASHVILLE 87 WITH BILL HARRIS IN RCA STUDIO A.THEN TO MEET UP IN BRADFORD,ENGLAND 5YRS LATER AND BE REMEMBERED WAS WONDERFUL.JUST WHEN I NEEDED YOU MOST-WRITTEN ON THE COASTLINE OF DEVON IN ENGLAND.TOLD TO ME ON THAT UNFORGETTABLE DAY IN NASHVILLE.I HAVE GOT SOME LOVELY PHOTOGRAPHS OF ME AND RANDY PRETENDING TO SING IN STUDIO A.
Posted by: graham from england | November 20, 2004 at 02:41 AM
Hi there,
I was Just browsing for some info on Randy Vanwarmer for a personal project I'm doing. It's a collection of love songs and includes Randy's fantastic heart felt ballad 'Just When I Needed You Most'. I've always loved this song ever since I heard it way back. The lyric "I've written you letters that I'd like to send, if you would just send one to me" always gives me goosebumps. His silky smooth voice, his lyrics and the sensual strings all come together to make an amazing timeless ballad which everyone should hear. I was very sad to hear he passed away earlier this year. I'm not familiar with much of his other material but intend to check it out very soon.
Posted by: Tom | November 20, 2004 at 02:34 PM
I HAVE KNOWN RANDYS MOTHER BETSY FOR ABOUT 22 YEARS SHE LIVES IN LOOE CORNWALL WHAT A LOVELY LADY . MY AUNT BRENDA LODGED WITH HER FOR MANY YEARS I MET RANDY ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO ALSO HIS WIFE . I THOUGHT THEY WERE VERY DOWN TO EARTH PEOPLE . RANDY WILL BE VERY SADLY MISSED JANET
Posted by: janet law | November 28, 2004 at 10:27 PM
well, graham from england made me dead jealous when he met randy back in '87! 'just when i needed you most' was one of my all time classics that i used to listen to in my local nightclub vip lounge!
the song is theeeee one hit wonder!!!!
pete
Posted by: peter hunter | December 07, 2004 at 12:01 AM
This is a imposible dream to my mind. Mr. Randy Vanwarmer he is gone & singing in the stars.The song "just when i needed you most" is one of the greatest melody in the history of the world.Randy,thanks for ever......Pepe Frontera........
Posted by: pepe | December 24, 2004 at 04:33 AM
I can't believe it. I had no idea. I was watching a show the other day and they ran a list of people who died in 2004. I saw Randy's name and thought the name looked familiar. I googled the name and was shocked and saddened to see that it was indeed the Randy Vanwarmer whose voice I have loved since I was 9 years old and first heard "You Left Me Just When I needed You Most". I'm 35 now and this song remains one of the songs that has painted the memories of my life. I can still see my mother putting it on the record player in the early morning while fixing breakfast.
Thank you Randy you have left us all a legacy.
Posted by: Phillis Thomas | December 25, 2004 at 02:31 PM
Hi,
I remember Randy Vanwarmer's hit "Just When I Needed You Most" when I was eight. He had a very distinctive voice, and it is one of the best country records to ever come out - even more so when at the time the top 40 in the UK was full of New Wave and disco bands.
It's great to see that Randy has left behind a rich musical legacy that will be indebted to the music he wrote and produced during his time on Earth.
Dario Western
Posted by: Dario Western | January 22, 2005 at 10:11 AM
Just in the middle of restoring my tape of the album "The beat of love", when I thought I would check for Randy Van Warmer on the internet.
Very surprised and saddened.
Thank you Randy for your music.
Posted by: Warwick Allen | February 05, 2005 at 09:57 AM
I can´t say how I feel, but in my mind Randy will ever be singing "call me".
Goodbye Randy , thanks .
AMB
Posted by: Alfonso Medina | February 12, 2005 at 04:56 AM
It is April 16 2005 and I just found out, right now, that Randy has died. I feel like crying. Inside, I am. I've been a fan since his first album and all the way through to Third Child. I've come to this site looking to buy more of Randy's music on CD. Now I find out he's gone. I have to go now because I can't hold back my tears. I didn't know you personally, Randy, but through your music I love you and will miss you
Posted by: Joe McCarthy | April 16, 2005 at 03:08 PM
Hi my name Danny, where can I buy the tape or cd "just when i needed you most" also I remember first hearing this from a movie, would anyone know the name of that movie thanks.
Posted by: dANNY | April 17, 2005 at 08:00 PM
.....its bad enough I miss the seventies as it is..now I find out randy is gone."just when I needed you most" has always been one one my favorie songs and I love to sing and play it on guitar.its one of those songs that when you hear it you are transported right back to the good old days before all of the crap in the world we have now.seemed like the planet was just a bit better back then and randy's music seems all the sweeter now.I am happy to have grown up with randy's music and this song especially,as a teenager.I am greatful for this chance for people to post their thoughts and memories of an incredible talent and person......
Posted by: steve | April 17, 2005 at 09:25 PM
RANDI VAN WARMER HAD A HIT IN 1978 I WAS 15 YEARS OLD AND REMEMBER RIDING ON AN MBTA BUS FROM MEDFORD TO BOSTON WITH FRIENDS SINGING THAT SONG YOU LEFT ME JUST WHEN I NEEDED YOU MOST. HIS DISTINCTIVE VOICE SOUNDED LIKE A WOMAN . IN FACT WE HAD A DISCUSSION REGADING HIS GENDER. GOD BLESS AND R.I.P.
Posted by: RALPH TELLA | May 07, 2005 at 02:01 PM
one of my alltime favorite songs was you left me just when i needed you most recorded by randy v. rip
Posted by: flora giuliano | May 15, 2005 at 11:58 PM