Boots Randolph--Noted Musician

BOOTS RANDOLPH--NOTED MUSICIAN

1927-2007

Homer Louis "Boots" Randolph, 80, died on July 3, 2007 at the Skyline Medical Center in Nashville, TN.  The legendary saxophone player was honored by a special proclamation and resolution of respect given by Joyce Banister at the 36^th annual reunion of the Thomas-Bridges Association on Sunday, August 3.  Joyce reminded everyone present that Boots never forgot his roots.  He was a TBA Lifetime member and had supported the organization during the years since it was founded.  He had sponsored the golf tournament in the early years and he and his band had played in concert for several reunions over the years.  The members of the association share this loss with his family and friends.

            Boots was born on June 3, 1927 in Paducah, KY, the son of the late Homer Clay and Bessie Mae Skaggs Randolph and the grandson of the late J. Monroe and Enola Thomas Skaggs.  His wife, TBA Lifetime member,  Dee Randolph, died July 8, 2011.He is survived by his daughter, Linda O'Neal; his son, Randy (Barbara) Randolph; his grandchildren, Cody O’Neal, Patrick O’Neal, Kenny O'Neal, and Tara Harvey; and great grandchildren, Jon Harvey, Maggie Harvey, Samantha O’Neal and Conner O'Neal; his sister, TBA Lifetime member Dorothy Thomas of Leitchfield, KY; and brother, Robert Randolph of Ohio.

            Boots grew up in rural Trigg County with a family that was rich in musical talent.  He learned to play a variety of instruments, but at the age of 16 decided that the saxophone was his instrument of choice.  He served in the 1940s with the US Army and played in the Army Band.  After he was discharged in 1946, he struggled as a professional musician.  After the success of his trademark tune, “Yakety Sax”, he moved in 1961 to Music City USA,  to become a legendary studio musician.  He was the first to ever play sax on recordings with Elvis Presley.  Boots played on such diverse recordings as Roy Orbison, Al Hirt, Brenda Lee, Speedwagon, Chet Atkins, Buddy Holly, Floyd Cramer, Alabama, Johnny Cash, Richie Cole, Pete Fountain, Tommy Newsom and Doc Severinsen.  He remained active as an entertainer right up to the end of his life.

Boots and wife Dee celebrate their Golden Anniversary ! September 23, 1997

 

 THE LINEAGE:

(Homer Louis "Boots" Randolph was the son of Homer Clay and Bessie Mae Skaggs Randolph, grandson of James Monroe and Enola Clemantine Thomas Skaggs and great grandson of Albert Dillard and Mary Jonathan Vinson Thomas.  Albert Dillard was the second child of Peyton and Sarah Ethridge Thomas.  Peyton was the third child of Cullen and Elizabeth Futrell Thomas.  Cullen was the first child of James and Mary Standley Thomas.)