Ron Bright, BHS '75 (1957-2025)

Ronald Hudson Bright

August 12, 1957 - December 16, 2025

Janice Stinson Beimford posted on Facebook...
"I am very sad to share that Ron Bright, class of 1975, passed away last Tuesday."

Paul Thuotte, BHS '75 (1957-2025)

Paul Joseph Thuotte

November 19, 1957 - November 29, 2025

FIND A GRAVE Link

On November 30, 2025, Patti Thuotte Froelich, BHS '73, wrote on Facebook, "Last night we lost our youngest brother Paul. He was tough and managed to live 34 years after becoming a paraplegic. He will be sorely missed and always remembered fondly. Paul was 68 years old having had his last birthday on November 19th."

Paul Thuotte, 68, of Clinton passed away November 29, 2025. He was born November 19, 1957 to Albert Thuotte and Esther Bejarano. Paul was the youngest.  He died from complications of pneumonia.  He lived in Clinton, Missouri. 

Paul and Patti have several siblings including Michael Thuotte, BHS ‘73, Al Thuotte, BHS '67 and three sisters that went to Bellarmine Jefferson, Helen Caputi (Thuotte) Meri Bergschneider (Thuotte) Susan Davis (Thuotte)… seven in all so please keep the family in your prayers.

Kim Correll Latour, BHS '75 (1956-2021)

  

 

MEMORIES...

Mary Olson

I worked closely with Kim when she worked at May Company and she was a fantastic person! Kim was funny, kind, smart and a joy to be around. I remember her stories about her brother and how much she loved him and how proud she was of his accomplishments. My email is molson@callutheran.edu and my name is Mary Olson. My condolences to her loved ones. She will be missed. (7/20/2022)

Jan Bohachef Martin
She was a sweet and truly lovely girl in high school

Heidi Terrio
I knew Kim from elementary school at Emerson. She was a beautiful sweet person! Terri White Wilson knew her well too.

Lila Vick Schob
Knew her in elementary She was sweet. I know she had health issues. So sad she has passed.

Fred Cooper, BHS '75 (1956-2018)

 

 

Fredrick Cooper Obituary

Fredrick A. Cooper
Port St. Lucie, FL

FREDRICK ALLEN COOPER went to be the Lord on Sunday, April 1, 2018 after fighting pancreatic cancer. Fred or "Coop" as he was often called was born on July 29, 1956 in Charleston, West Virginia. After moving with his Mom and Sister to Glendale, California in 1958 his Mom remarried and settled in Burbank, California.

Fred leaves behind his childhood sweetheart and devoted companion, Carol Cline - Port St. Lucie, Florida; his sister, Debbie Cooper Billiot (spouse, Joe Billiot) - Breaux Bridge, Louisiana; a son, Fredrick A. Cooper, II - Nebraska; a brother, Greg Cline (spouse, Salley Cline) - Shreveport, Louisiana; grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, specifically acknowledging: neices, Rikki, Dawn, Tina, Debbie and beloved cousin, R. Wayne Cline.

Preceeded in death: Father, Buddy Cooper, Mother, Dazine McCallister Propst; Step-Father, Charles Cline, Sr.; Brothers: C. Wayne Cline, Tom Cline, and Charles Cline, Jr.

Upon graduating from Burbank High School in June, 1975, Fred enlisted in the U.S. Army - achieveing the rank of Sargent, serving in many posts around the world, including West Berlin, Germany, 1 Korea, Hawaii and many "State Side" posts. After serving eight years in the military, Fred was discharged. Fred continued to SERVE by becoming a Deputy with the Martin County Sheriffs Office and retired after 25 years of service.

Fred had a love for motorcycles and going on many extensive trips throughout the United States, even going to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally - a national motorcyle 'haven' for riders in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Fred's love for his Martin County Sheriffs Office's family cannot go without saying he was truly dedicated to them.

May we all remember: "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal."
Richard Puz, The Carolinian

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be 3 PM to 5 PM, Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at Treasure Coast Seawinds Funeral Home Chapel with a Celebration of Life Service to begin at 5 PM. Honors will be provided by the U. S. Army and MCSO. www.treasurecoastseawinds.com

 

Diann Naylor Sorrenti, BHS '75 (1956-2024)

 

Sad news… Diann recently passed away. She was the daughter of John and Angela Naylor and she had three siblings: sister Florence from the class of ‘67, brother Jim class ‘68 and brother John/Jack class of ‘70 who sadly passed away in 2018.

Diann Elaine Naylor Sorrenti

December 6, 1956 – July 30, 2024

IN THE CARE OF

Pierce Brothers Valhalla Memorial Park and Mortuary

Diann Elaine Sorrenti, age 67, of Burbank, California passed away on Tuesday, July 30, 2024.

A memorial service for Diann will be held Friday, August 30, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Pierce Brothers Valhalla, 10621 Victory Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91606, followed by a reception from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

"A light is from our household gone. A voice we loved is stilled. A place is vacant in our home, that never can be filled. The Golden Gates did open. A gentle voice said, “Come”. And with farewell unspoken, we said,“Thy will be done”. May the Blessed Virgin greet her and present her to her Son. May Her Sacred Heart receive her, as it was, God’s will was done." - A Light Is Gone

"There is a legend that an angel came to earth to take something beautiful back to Heaven and he took a bouquet of roses, a baby’s smile and a Mother’s love. When he reached the Heavenly realms, the roses had withered, the baby’s smile had vanished, but the Mother’s love endured forever." - A Mothers Love

MORE PHOTOS https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/north-hollywood-ca/diann-sorrenti-11919137

Armando Lopez, BHS '75 (1957-2023)

 

We just received the following sad news from Chris Varner...

I just found out from John Teresi that Armando Lopez BHS class of 1975 passed away on Sept. 18th 2023. He had been sick for some time. His nickname was Mondo.

 

A FEW FACEBOOK COMMENTS...

Tony White
RIP Mondo

Anthy Hellmers
Rest in eternal peace

Carol Forrand Tallakson
RIP Armando

Yolee Rodes
I am so sad to hear of his passing may Armando rest in peace

Bruce Redmann
He was a good friend😢

Stephanie Jackson
I am sorry for your loss💕. I graduated from BHS class of 57 and feel we are all family. 💕

Pamela Anglin Howland
Fly with the angels, my friend…✨🙏🏼✨

Martin Lillibridge
RIP Bulldog 🙏

Robert Gaston
Sad to hear

Kathleen Wyatt RichardsonTop contributor
So sad…rip

Mickey DePalo
Rest In Peace. 🙏

Chris VarnerTop contributor
John Teresi recently told me where Mondo was. Norm Franzel and I went and visited him. Although he was sick his spirits were high and we had some good laughs together. I was absolutely amazed at how mentally sound he was. He had a great memory. May he rest in eternal peace.

Nadine Aguirre Lujan
Rest in peace.

Margie Turner
He was always nice to me. I will dearly miss him. May he rest in peace.

Georgeen Bybee Maclaughlin
RIP ❤️

Kurt Mueller
RIP Bulldog

Jim Ellison
RIP Mondo

Karen Vitale
RIP 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Donald Anderson
Rest in peace. Prayers for family and friends.

Reed Huffman
Rest in peace Mondo

Johna Holt Pierce
Rest in peace Armando

Pam McNamara Walker
So sad to hear this… RIP 🙏🏻

Theresa Terry Ballesteros-Thomason
RIP Bulldog

Amy Lloyd Bagnall, BHS '75 (1957-2023)

Debbie Buzzelli-Blount posted this on Facebook... 

This was a shock! So saddened 💔 we reconnected on Facebook. I did get to see her before she moved. She was the most happy upbeat person...😪 

Hello everyone This is Doug, Amy Lloyd Bagnall's husband. I'm writing this here , if you haven't already heard about Amy's death last Sunday September 3rd. The accident happened in Parker Arizona. A Semi truck, running a red light at high speed, struck our car in rear, as we were finishing a left hand turn. The driver was driving drunk, and left the scene. 4 other vehicles were damaged, and seven people injured. Amy was the only fatality. If anyone wants to talk to me, please use Amy's number, and other contacts here. My phone was damaged, and unusable. Been getting a lot of messages from family and friends that im unable to read. So please use this number. 

 

Link to Fundraiser

https://www.gofundme.com/f/amy-bagnell

Link to accident article

https://parkerliveonline.com/2023/09/03/semi-driver-charged-with-murder-after-serious-accident-involving-4-other-vehicles-in-parker/

Link to Amy's Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/bagnalla/

 

The following is from Amy's Facebook page:

Married to Doug Bagnall, blessed with two daughters: Christine and Julie 

Child Caregiver at Denton Bible Church 

Tutor at Enlighten Tutoring Service 

Former 5th Grade Teacher at Valencia Elementary School 

Studied Curriculum and Instruction, MA at Concordia University, Irvine 

Went to Newport Harbor High 

Went to Southampton Senior High School 

Went to Burbank High School 

Studied B.S. Child Development at California State University, Fullerton 

Lives in Aubrey, Texas 

From Manhasset, New York 

Laurel Saladin Castagnetto, BHS '75 (1956-2023)

 

Laurel Lee Saladin Castagnetto  

August 24, 1956 - August 6, 2023

Sad news posted by Pamela Parrish Penrose on Facebook...

It is with great sadness that I let you all know that Laurel Lee (Saladin) Castagnetto, Class of 1975, passed away on August 6, 2023. She fought a brave battle with cancer until the end. We were long time friends for 59 years. There are no plans for a service. Prayers to her husband Stan and her two boys Christopher and Thomas.

Ed Ballard, BHS '75 (1957-2019)

Edward Brian Ballard 

November 8, 1957 – September 3, 2019 

On September 4, 2019, Susan Peña MacCarthy posted on Facebook...

"It’s with a broken heart I have to announce the passing of Ed Ballard class of 75, married to Dawn Marcione Ballard (75), and brother of Michael Ballard (73) and other family members." 

Besides BHS, Ed attended Thomas Jefferson and John Muir Junior High sclhools.

There was a celebrate Ed Ballard’s life on January 18, 2020, at DeBell Golf Club in Burbank.

Roger Hahn, BHS '75 (1956-2009)

We just learned the sad news that Roger Hahn, BHS 1975. passed away in 2009. His brother is Rod Hahn, BHS '71.

A FEW FACEBOOK COMMENTS...

Martin Lillibridge
RIP Bulldog 🙏

Nadine Aguirre Lujan
RIP

Loanne Walker Ginchereaux
❤️🙏

Julie Guttridge
Wow ! Pretty young & no report from his family, huh ? Very sad 🥲

Donald Anderson
RIP

Raymond Deperna
He was a real nice guy, how'd he die?

Robert Gaston
❤️🙏🏻

Mike Signorelli
RIP

Virginia Hamilton
Rip. 😇🙏

Julie Williams-Davey
I remember him! Very sorry. RIP 🙏🏼💙

Robbin Moore
RIP

Toni Jeanette
Oh no. Roger was always so nice❤️I’m so sorry 😢

Julie Baughman
Roger was a really nice guy. We sometimes shared a space at "the wall" at Pickwick.

Frank Malgeri
🙏🏻🙏🏻

Caryn Gold
Rest peacefully Roger 🙏

Heidi Terrio
I knew Roger Hahn since Emerson elementary school. I always liked him. He was kind, witty and a really nice guy. Sorry that he passed away so young! He hanks for sharing. I will send a prayer to him tonight.

Lisa Engelsman Birtle
Bless him🙏

Cynthia Colvin
I wondered what happened to Roger, we were neighbors growing up, spent lots of adventures in the neighborhood hanging out at each other’s house. I remember him in his very cool VW bug in the parking lot at BHS in the mornings before school, when they would emerge from the car as the bell was ringing, the car doors opened followed by a large cloud of heavy herb scented smoke! Ah the 70s!
Miss you friend, lots of fun times we shared. 💗

Susan Peña MacCaskey
One of the nicest guys ever
I know I really looked for him. . .

Valerie McMichen
In Jr.High Roger and I would walk up to the Starlight Bowl. Sit, talk, and smoke a little smoke. We grew up in a great time with wonderful friends.

Valerie McMichen
Oh, this is so sad to me. I loved Roger. We were great friends. I meant him in 7th grade at John Muir. He was a fun, kind,loving guy. I'm sorry for his loss. Prayers to his family.

Susan Peña MacCaskey
Unfortunately, it's so sad to say. . . Roger past away. .
He truly was one of the nicest guys, I'm so happy to say He was My Friend 🧡

Chas Wilson
Such a nice guy I always liked him

Jetta Stire-Carrega
RIP Rodger 🙏🙏💙

Vicki Herrin Fields
Rest in Peace ⚘️

Diana Marchbanks
Rest in Peace

Pam Flagg
😢He was on the memorial poster at our last reunion BHS class of 75…. quite a shock to me then. Did not know. My understanding is that it was a sad ending.

Jeri Morin Valencia
Awww... what happened? I remember him fondly. ❤

Victoria Jean Harless Acord
Rest in peace 🙏🏻

Terri Wilson
😟

Michael Kieffer, BHS '75 (1957-2023)

 

Michael Thomas Kieffer

May 8, 1957 - March 10, 2023 

George Kieffer recently posted this sad news... 

Michael (Spike) Kieffer, class of 1975, passed away Friday March 10,2023, in Spokane , Washington. He ran cross country in high school. He was a father to Rachael, Steven and Andrew and a stepson Nathan.

Daughter Rachael Bardwell posted this sweet note on Facebook a few days ago... 

For those who haven't heard, my dad, Michael Spike Kieffer went home to his Savior Jesus, yesterday March 10, 2023 at 1:40pm. He is finally free of the nasty disease that caused havoc on his body. He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Helen Kieffer and his wife Kathy Kieffer. He leaves behind his 4 children (myself, Andrew Kieffer, Steven Kieffer, and Nathan Ray), 7 siblings (kathy Mooney, Phil Kieffer Mary Kieffer George Kieffer Vince Kieffer Ray Kieffer Tiki Ray and Joan Kieffer Giuliano ) and 9 grandchildren. My dad did not want a memorial service of any kind and we will honor that wish for him. 143, dad. I'll see you again. ❤️❤️❤️

Clint Gorsuch, BHS '75 (1957-2022)

 

Clint D Gorsuch

August 2, 1957 - September 12, 2022

Sad news... today on Facebook, Jeri Morin Valencia posted this notice...·

"It is my sad honor to tell everyone that Clint Gorsuch (Class of '75) has passed away unexpectedly on September 12, 2022. He has been a LONG time friend of ours and this comes as a shock. His beloved Wife and Daughter could use some prayers for strength. Thank you."

 

RIP Clint.

Jacques Duquette, BHS '75 (1957-2022)

 Jacques Claude Dequette

 February 8, 1957 - June 5, 2022

Simi Valley, California

Sadly, Donald Anderson posted this today on Facebook... 

Was notified that my friend Jacques Duquette, class of '75, passed away last night. My prayers are with his family and friends. Rest in peace. 

RIP Jacques.

 

Steve Jackson, BHS '75 (1957-2017)

 

Steven Robert Jackson went to be with the Lord on July 8, 2017, following a courageous three-year battle with brain cancer.

A private celebration of life will be held in the fall.

He was born on February 17, 1957 in Sacramento to Harry and Lorna Jackson. He grew up in Burbank and graduated from Westmont College in Santa Barbara in 1979. He spent most of his career working in information technology, retiring from 20 years with the Sacramento Police Department in 2015. He loved cycling, running and doing anything outdoors with his family.

Steven is survived by his wife, Mary Jackson; son, Trevor (Taylor) Jackson; daughter, Tyra Jackson; mother, Lorna (Bill) Parrish; sisters, Linda (Jerry) Waechter and Kerry Lara and many other loving family members.

He was preceded in death by his father, Harry Jackson.

In honor of Steve, donations can be made to the Sacramento Police Department K-9 Unit.

Arrangements are under the care of Hooper and Weaver Mortuary.

Kim McCroskey Fredrickson, BHS '75 (1957-2019)

 Kim Mary Fredrickson

1957 - 2019

Kim Fredrickson, of Roseville, CA, passed on to be with the Lord on June 3, 2019 at UCSF Hospital after a five-year battle with pulmonary fibrosis. She was 62. 

 

Kim was born on February 11, 1957 in Burbank, CA. She received a bachelor's degree in Psychology from UCLA and a master's degree in Counseling Psychology from University of North Texas, Denton. 

 

Kim and Dave Fredrickson have been married for 41 years and together they had two children, Kurt and Chrissy. Kim was a widely respected and sought-after Marriage and Family Therapist for 30 years in Sacramento and Roseville, CA, as well as serving decades as a pastor's wife. She was also a popular speaker, teaching on marriage, parenting, and mental health issues. Kim taught as an Adjunct Instructor at Western Seminary in their master's program in Marriage and Family Therapy, and at William Jessup University in their Psychology program. Kim's deep faith, compassion and expertise made a lasting impact on her clients, students and her community. Kim became well-known for teaching on self-compassion and published her first book Give Yourself a Break in 2015 (re-released as The Power of Positive Self-Talk in 2018), and expanded her impact by blogging weekly on faith and self-compassion. 

 

Kim responded with her characteristic faith and bravery when she was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2015, and became a columnist for Pulmonary Fibrosis News, encouraging and caring for fellow patients with her informative weekly blogs. Kim published a book on parenting with compassion Give Your Kids a Break in 2017, and while very ill published Pulmonary Fibrosis Journey: A Counselor and Fellow Patient Walks with You in 2018. 

 

Kim and husband Dave thoroughly enjoyed doing life together, were very active in their faith, and made it a priority to live the fullest life Kim's illness would allow. In 2019 Kim became a lung-transplant candidate, but after a difficult four-month stay in the UCSF hospital ICU unit succumbed physically, but not emotionally or spiritually, to the disease. 

 

Kim is survived by her loving husband Dave, dear sister Kyle, beloved son and daughter-in-law Kurt and Maty, beloved daughter Chrissy, as well as in-laws and nephews and niece she loved dearly. Kim's life is celebrated by the many grateful women and men to whom she spoke words of life, wisdom and encouragement. Truly, Kim was an extraordinarily faithful, loving and gracious woman. Her family and many friends will forever be thankful for her love and inspiring faith. 

 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, June 22 nd at 10:30 a.m. at Life Community Church, 10020 Foothills Blvd., Roseville, CA 95747. In lieu of flowers, donations will be welcomed by The Pulmonary Wellness Society, www.pulmonarywellness.com/society.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/sacbee/name/kim-fredrickson-obituary?id=2018111

Published by The Sacramento Bee on Jun. 16, 2019.

Louis 'Sonny' Urrutia, BHS '75 (1957-2015)

On September 2, 2015, Susan Peña MacCaskey posted on Facebook... 

"Sad News I hate sharing. . . Just found out that Louis "SONNY" Urrutia passed away 6 months ago from ALS As we all know, Sonny was such a great guy, he will be truly missed. RIP Sonny - ❤ "

A FEW FACEBOOK COMMENTS FROM 2015... 

Laurie Campbell Manion 

Ohhhh. So sad. He was a great guy 

 

Lori Qualls Mahaffey 

RIP. Very sad to hear. Prayers for his family! 

 

Dana Ardizzone O'Neal 

Oh wow, I'm so sorry to hear that. 🙁 

 

Pamela Anglin Howland 

i am so sad to hear that. I did not know. Such a great guy... 😢 

 

Waneen Cormier Post-Marks 

Very sad news. 

 

Dan Jordan 

Sad news indeed. 

 

Anthy Hellmers 

He was such a gentle giant. I have thought of him through the years hoping that our paths would cross again. We sat next to each other in Spanish from 7-12 th grades. U then V. Rest in peace sweet Sonny.

 

Susan Peña MacCaskey 

You are exactly right Anthy, he was a gentle giant, I too have thought about him thru years. 

 

Leslie Webster Urie 

Sad to learn. 

 

Debi Storm 

I am so sad. I have hoped to see him again for many years. He was very special to me. 

 

Liz Marin 

Sorry to hear 

 

Joyce Robitaille 

🙏🙏🙏🙏 

 

Jeri Morin Valencia 

He did?!! I'm so sorry to hear that. Last time I saw him, we were at a saloon called Handlebars. 

 

Nancy Collins Corvino 

Sad to hear! 

 

Ken Murphy 

Sad to hear this , like others have said, I wondered how Sonny was doing over the years . 

 

Heidi Terrio

Oh, that is very sad news!😔

Kathy Begley, BHS '75 (1957-2020)

Kathleen Marie Begley

September 16, 1957 - December 13, 2020

Kathy's sister, Robin Jo, posted on Facebook in 2020...

"My sister passed away on December 13 , 2020 after bravely battling a terminal lung disease. Her family would like to reach out to all her friends to let you know we will be celebrating Kathy’s life with a memorial in the spring . If you would like to join us , please private email me at Robyn.anzo@gmail.com . Thank you all for the love and support you showed Kathy . She was loved by all who knew her, Kathys passing leaves a hole in our hearts. We love our Kathy forever , Robyn , Chris & Alyson, Ryan & Shannon, Blake & Cole, Jackson & Sienna💔 and her beloved sweet dog Ruby" 

RIP Kathy.

 

In 2012, Kathy was awarded the Genii for "Excellence in Advertising" by AWRT (Alliance for Women in Radio and Television) which is quite an honor!

 

Vicki Hovestreydt, BHS '75, Passed Away Yesterday

Yolee Rodes posted today on Facebook...
"Vicki Hovestreydt BHS class of 1975 passed away yesterday morning 1/08/2018, I feel such emptiness in my Heart. I love you Vic-eye!!!!!"

OBITUARY

https://bhsinmemoriam.blogspot.com/2019/07/vicki-hovestreydt-bhs-1975.html

Randy Rhoads, BHS '75 (1956-1982)

SCROLL DOWN FOR UPDATES

Randy grew up in Burbank and was a guitar prodigy who started at the age of six and taught at his mother's school.

During his professional career, he played in an early version of the successful 1980s heavy metal band "Quiet Riot", and was the original guitarist for heavy metal singer Ozzy Osbourne's solo band.

Known for combining classical and heavy metal music together, his work on Osbourne's first two solo albums "Blizzard of Ozz" and "Diary of a Madman" are hailed today for their ingenuity, and songs like "Crazy Train" and "Flyin' High Again" are considered heavy metal classics.

He gave the inspiration for Grover Jackson, founder of Jackson guitars, to start a guitar company.

Tragically, Randy was killed in a private plane crash in Leesburg, Florida at age 26.

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=rhoads&GSfn=randy&GSby=1956&GSbyrel=in&GSdy=1982&GSdyrel=in&GSob=n&GRid=2149&df=all&

MARCH 27, 2015 UPDATE
Read this great article about Randy today

http://selvedgeyard.com/2013/11/21/randy-rhoads-rivalry-with-eddie-van-who-and-the-riff-that-saved-ozzys-ass/

November 21, 2013 by Jon Patrick

RANDY RHOADS’ RIVALRY WITH EDDIE VAN WHO…AND THE RIFF THAT SAVED OZZY’S ASS

Whenever I hear ‘Crazy Train’ I’m immediately transported back to 8th grade Guitar class. One dude will forever be etched in my mind. Dave was 1/2 Japanese, all of about 5 ft tall, and probably weighed 80 lbs soaking wet, if that. His hair, alone worthy of open adoration, making up the bulk of his weight and height. This ‘Metal Mane’ was streaked, sprayed, and stood a good 6 inches above his head, cascading down to the middle of his back in perfectly teased strands. My 13 yr old brain could not fathom the ridiculous routine and expense this must have required. But damn if he didn’t more the rockstar part than 90% of the bands on the cover Cream and Hit Parader magazine. His bare arms were like sinewy, wire pipe cleaners. And I’d never seen jeans that tight in my life. Not even on a girl. No sir. I don’t know where the hell he found them, or how he breathed. The entire situation was delicately perched upon tiny black (or white) Capezio, soft-as-hell-leather lace-up dance shoes. Boom. Mind blown. Only a handful of dudes had the nuts to wear these. Dave’s look was definitely balls-out for West Phoenix. But nobody questioned him, because Dave was the reigning guitar badass. While the rest of us fumbled through the opening of ‘Stairway to Heaven’, Dave was staring at the ceiling tiles, biting his lip, soloing like the Segovia of Heavy Metal.

Dave even brought his own guitar to class. Lugged it around in a case thicker than him, covered in cool stickers. Rather that than play the nylon-strung acoustic beaters they had in class. I don’t remember what kind of acoustic it was, but the strings (always Dean Markley) were so light that you could hardly see them, let alone feel them. You had to lean in to hear a damn thing, but it was worth it. And the action was set so low that you could run scales faster than a hot knife through butter. But if you strummed it would buzz like crazy. No worries. No one was strumming shit. Everyone was shredding– with varying degrees of success. Dave was a Rock God in the making, and everyone at Maryvale High School seemed to sense it. Dave was into the hot, new Japanese Metal bands that no one else even heard of. And he spoke of Yngvie, Eddie, and Randy in hushed whispers like they were comrades. Knew all their solos and tricks, and could perform them on cue. Eruption, Spanish Fly, Dee, and of course, Crazy Train were all in his finely honed repertoire. We moved from Phoenix to Tempe that year, and I changed schools, so I don’t really know whatever became of Dave. But my fascination with the marvel and mystery of Randy Rhoads was firmly cemented. No head-banging hooligan. A sensitive, immensely talented man taken too soon.

Ozzy Osbourne & Randy Rhoads playing that epic polka dot Flying V! — photo by © Paul Natkin

“I never really got into Black Sabbath when I was in England. Right? And then Ozzy came out with this great first album, you know, it really was good. And we got to see them play after that, like almost every night. And so, Randy Rhoads, although being a wonderful guitar player, could not play Asteroids for shit. I beat him right across this country. From East coast, to West and back.

Randy Rhoads was like just, brilliant. You know, I mean of course he got better after he died. You know, because everybody does. Right? But uh, I loved Randy, yeah. He took risks. He wasn’t scared, you know. I mean, he knew his instrument, you know? So he’d just go for it. That’s what I used to like about him. And you could…like, Ozzy used to just throw him around, throw him up on his shoulders while he was playing. And he never missed a note.”

–Lemmy from Motorhead

Randy Rhoads pre-concert soundcheck –photo by John Livzey

“The very first time Randy Rhoads saw Van Halen, he took his girlfriend Jan with him. Jan told us that Randy was ‘devastated’ after the show. Here he was, the king of Burbank. Everyone was always telling him how great he was. Then he saw Eddie and it opened his eyes and he got a major reality check. It was healthy for him. He was inspired. He thought Eddie was great. He wanted to be great also. I know they met at least four times.

Quiet Riot and Van Halen played on the same bill at Glendale College in April 1977. Quiet Riot opened, Van Halen was the headliner. Randy once approached Eddie and asked him how he was able to keep his guitar in tune without a locking nut for his tremolo. Eddie refused to tell him and said it was his own secret. Randy couldn’t comprehend because he was a teacher at his core. He loved to help others and he was always willing to share anything he knew. He would teach anyone anything they wanted to learn. So, he was quite disappointed in Eddie’s treatment of him.”

–Randy Rhoads’ biographer, Andrew Klein

“Randy and his good friend Lori Hollen were in the parking lot behind the Whisky loading his gear into this car. Eddie and Dave (DLR) pulled up alongside of them in a white Mercedes diesel and began harassing him. Lori quickly put a stop to it and actually slapped Dave across his face. Quiet Riot’s drummer, Drew Forsyth, has said that the Eddie/Randy rivalry has been made up to be so much more than it was. He also said that Eddie used to come watch Randy play way more than Randy used to go see Eddie play. They were both great, and I’m sure there was an immense amount of mutual respect. Randy told journalist John Stix that he does a lot of Eddie’s licks live, and it kills him that he does that. But he added that it’s just flash, and that’s what the kids want to see. That’s what impresses them. He also said that it kills him because he believes in the importance of finding your own voice and style. He thought the worst thing a guitar player could do was copy someone else.

Finally, when Randy was home on break from the Ozzy tour, he decided to drive to his local music store to buy some classical albums. Randy said that when he walked into the record store, Eddie Van Halen was standing on line at the register purchasing the Diary of a Madman album. Imagine that scene. Can you imagine walking into a record store on any given day and seeing both Eddie and Randy in there at the same time?”

–Randy Rhoads’ biographer, Andrew Klein

“Randy was one in a billion. He didn’t try to be different. He was born different. I don’t think he dressed that way because his goal was to be different. He wore what he wanted to wear. He used to take his first girlfriend, Jan, with him when he shopped for shoes. He preferred the girl’s shoes, and he would have her try them on for him. Clearly, he was embarrassed to buy them for himself, and he knew he would get grief for wearing them. It didn’t matter to him. He was very committed to doing what he wanted to do. Sometimes it did get him into a lot of trouble, especially at school. He constantly had jocks wanting to beat him up. They called him names. It didn’t affect him. Randy may have been frail, but he was emotionally strong. It took more than names to rattle him. He just laughed at them.”

–Randy Rhoads’ biographer, Andrew Klein

“One of the things Ozzy loved about Randy Rhoads was that he was a teacher at his core. He used to sit with Ozzy and help him. Randy would find the right key for songs so that Ozzy would feel more comfortable and within his singing range. They worked out melodies together. Ozzy would hum ideas to Randy, and he would, in turn, convert those melodies into songs. ‘Goodbye to Romance’ was created this way. When Randy would noodle or test sounds, Ozzy would say, ‘What was that?’ And Randy would say, ‘What?’ Ozzy would say, ‘Play that again’ – and sure enough, songs were born that way as well. ‘Suicide Solution’ and ‘Diary of a Madman’ were born that way.”

–Randy Rhoads’ biographer, Andrew Klein

“I know Randy was a salvation for Ozzy. Ozzy was really down on his luck. He had just been thrown out of Sabbath. He was broke, constantly drunk, and basically living in squalor. Then, Randy Rhoads walked into his life. I am not so sure Ozzy was a salvation for Randy. I think Randy could take it or leave it. His arm had to be twisted to go to the audition, and when he was given the job, he didn’t want it. He didn’t want to hurt Quiet Riot and his friend Kevin DuBrow. Although they were frustrated and going nowhere, he was prepared to stick it out. He was not one to seek auditions, and I don’t think he would have quit had he never met Ozzy. So, I would have to conclude that Ozzy needed Randy way more than Randy needed Ozzy. This is evident at the end of Randy’s life. He informed the Osbournes he was quitting the band. Ozzy went crazy over this and begged Randy to stay. Randy had made up his mind and nothing was going to change it. Ozzy knew what he had. When they first got together in 1979, Ozzy would introduce Randy to people by saying, ‘This is Randy, my secret weapon.’ When they met producer Max Norman for the first time, Ozzy said to him, ‘Keep everything Randy records – don’t erase anything!’ Ozzy Osbourne is no dummy. He knew what he had.”

–Randy Rhoads’ biographer, Andrew Klein

“The band had a great relationship with Ozzy. From the beginning, they were managed by Sharon’s brother, David Arden. He managed the band well. He was very attentive to their needs. It was ultimately David’s decision to bring Randy to England. David tried to convince Ozzy to find a guitarist in London who was local in order to make things easier. Ozzy begged and pleaded and said Randy was the only one he wanted. David acquiesced and sent Randy a ticket. When the band began working, they were all very close. Ozzy used to say to them, ‘Here’s my hand, here’s my heart, this band will never part.’ They recorded the ‘Blizzard of Ozz’ album, and then they began a U.K. tour.”

–Randy Rhoads’ biographer, Andrew Klein

Randy Rhoads receiving the “Best New Talent” award from Guitar Player magazine with Ozzy and Sharon Arden (now Osbourne) proudly looking on, 1981.

“It was at this time that David had to resign because his daughter had been born prematurely and he was needed at home. This is when Sharon stepped in to replace him. She immediately got cozy with Ozzy and everything changed. When they revisited Ridge Farm to record the Diary of a Madman album, she became notorious for emptying everyone’s suitcases and throwing their personal belongings into the pond outside. Everyone who was there said the vibe changed when she arrived. Ozzy began divorce proceedings with his wife, Thelma, and succumbed to severe depression. He stopped attending writing and rehearsal sessions and drowned his sorrows in drugs and alcohol. The Diary album was nearly complete before the real problems began. It was during these recording sessions that the decision was made to fire Bob [Daisley] and Lee [Kerslake] in favor of younger, greener musicians who wouldn’t challenge authority. When Rudy [Sarzo] and Tommy [Aldridge] were brought in, the band was no longer called the ‘Blizzard of Ozz’ – it had now become an Ozzy Osbourne solo project, which is not what Randy signed up for. Randy expressed his displeasure with anyone who was willing to listen. Randy was no longer happy as a sideman. Add to that, Sharon placed Randy in a very uncomfortable position between herself and Ozzy, which she chronicles in her own book. This was about all he could take. He really just wanted to leave the band and that situation and move on with his life.”

–Randy Rhoads’ biographer, Andrew Klein

Rudy Sarzo, Kevin DuBrow & Randy Rhoads in the Quiet Riot glory days. “We had one of the best guitar players EVER in our band and we couldn’t get arrested!” –Quiet Riot singer, Kevin DuBrow

“Randy Rhoads and Kevin DuBrow were the best of friends. Very close. Like brothers. Both became stars separately from each other. But the dream was they were going to do it together. They remained good friends even while Randy was with Ozzy. Kevin attended all the local Ozzy concerts and was invite to after-parties at the Osbournes’ house.”

–Randy Rhoads’ biographer, Andrew Klein

“Kevin was domineering and Randy hated that. Randy tolerated it because he knew that that component of Kevin’s personalithy was the reason why they were so successful, locally. Those who knew Randy said that if not for Kevin, no one outside of Randy’s garage would have ever heard him play. Kevin was the driving force. Randy was not a go-getter. He just wanted to play and leave the details to others. He was also non-confrontational, which is why he put up with Kevin. It was easier for Randy to say nothing than to argue. Toward the end of 1979, Randy saw the writing on the wall. Music was changing. Disco, Punk, and New Wave had taken over. Randy and Kevin never really saw eye to eye musically. When he finally got settled in with Ozzy, he was happier because he felt he had more musical freedom. Ozzy was constantly telling him to, ‘go out there and be the best Randy Rhoads you can be.’ Ozzy wanted Randy to be a guitar hero. He wanted that explosive playing all over his records. Kevin stifled Randy and preferred poppy, catchy songs because he thought that’s what would ultimately get them a record deal.”

–Randy Rhoads’ biographer, Andrew Klein

“One of the biggest myths around Jackson/Charvel guitars is that many think Grover Jackson or Wayne Charvel made the Randy Rhoads polka dot Flying V. Grover Jackson and Tim Wilson made the white Jackson V. Grover Jackson, Tim Wilson and Mike Shannon made the black Jackson V. And it was Karl Sandoval that actually made the famous Randy Rhoads Polka Dot Flying V. However Karl did work with Grover Jackson and Wayne Charvel for about a year or so. The guitar was ordered on 7/3/79 and completed on 9/22/79. It appeared to be a solid body neck-thru or set-neck construction, but was actually a Danelectro neck that had been glued to a Flying V body! The bow-tie fret inlays were simply routed on either side of the existing dot inlays. The pick-ups were DiMarzio PAF’s, Schaller tuners were installed, and white Gibson Les Paul control knobs were used.

Soon after Randy Rhoads brought the Flying V home the headstock was broken accidently when the strap was not secured to the guitar. Kevin DuBrow was there when it fell and Randy was devastated. He had worked very hard to save the money to buy the V. Karl Sandoval re-painted the neck after the repairs were done for free. Rumors have circulated that Randy had a lot of tuning problems  because the Danelectro neck didn’t have a truss rod, but there sure are a lot of pictures that have been published with Randy playing this guitar. Randy did change the bridge, nut, knobs, and pick-up rings from chrome to black.” –via jacksoncharvelworld.net

NOVEMEBER 21, 2021 UPDATE 

 

LINK: https://youtu.be/V5OvHVeeydA