Randy California

Musician

Forfans of 1960s–70s psychedelic rock, spirit and jimi hendrix aficionados, and guitar enthusiasts.
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The Profile

Randy Craig Wolfe (known as Randy California) (1951–1997) was an American guitarist, singer-songwriter and founding member of the band Spirit.

Met Jimi Hendrix as a teenager; Hendrix gave him the name 'Randy California'. Co-founded Spirit with drummer Ed Cassidy. Released Kapt. Kopter and The (Fabulous) Twirly Birds in 1972. Associated with the instrumental 'Taurus' and the later controversy over Led Zeppelin's 'Stairway to Heaven'. Died in January 1997 in Molokai while attempting to rescue his son Quinn.

A positive, reverent review of Randy California's 1972 album Kapt. Kopter and The (Fabulous) Twirly Birds. Highlights his early connection to Jimi Hendrix, his role in Spirit, and the album as a personal, Hendrix-tinged statement. Notes his death in January 1997 while rescuing his son.

Notable Quotes

❝ Randy Craig Wolfe was born and raised in California in a family that immersed him right away in the musical atmosphere of the Ash Grove, a famous folk venue in Los Angeles, founded and managed by his uncle.