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Barbara Randolph
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Barbara Randolph
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Key Information

Barbara Randolph (May 5, 1942 – July 15, 2002) was an American soul singer and actress who recorded for Motown Records in the 1960s.

Biography

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She was born in Detroit and was adopted by the actress Lillian Randolph,[1] who appeared in It's a Wonderful Life (1946) and many other movies. Her show business career began – under the name Barbara Ann Sanders, having taken the name of Lillian's second husband[2][3] – when she was eight years old, playing the part of Tanya in the 1953 feature film Bright Road.[4]

In 1957, both her mother and she joined Steve Gibson's vocal group, The Red Caps, as singers. For a number of years, a common but mistaken belief held that her mother and Steve were siblings, making him Randolph's uncle (although she may have affectionately referred to him as such). James "Jay" Price, a member of the Red Caps from 1952 to 1958, explained that Steve and Lillian only jokingly called each other "sister" and "brother", but they were not related.[5] The story apparently started with a December 31, 1953, article in JET that referred to them as siblings, in Major Robinson's gossip column—which often carried the most outrageous (and unverified) claims from press agents. Further, the 1910 United States Census shows Lillian's mother was already 50, far too old to have given birth to Steve Gibson on October 12, 1914.[1][6][7][8]

Randolph appeared with her mother in Gibson's nightclub acts, using her mother's maiden (and stage) name of Randolph in 1957, continuing to appear with the Red Caps on various occasions in the 1960s.[9][10]

Barbara Randolph first recorded as a solo singer for RCA Records in 1960.[11] In 1964, she joined The Platters, replacing singer Zola Taylor, but left after a year and one album (The New Soul of the Platters).[12]

She continued to work as an actress, taking the part of Dorothy in the 1967 movie Guess Who's Coming to Dinner.[10][13] That same year, Randolph signed with Motown Records with the intention of having her act as first a standby and then a replacement for Florence Ballard in The Supremes.[14][15] Ballard was instead replaced by Cindy Birdsong, and Randolph released two singles for the company on its subsidiary Soul label – "I Got a Feeling"/"You Got Me Hurtin' All Over" (Soul 35038), followed a year later by a version of "Can I Get a Witness" (Soul 35050), using the same B-side.[16]

Neither record was commercially successful, but Randolph was sufficiently highly regarded to tour with Marvin Gaye as a replacement for Tammi Terrell after Terrell became ill.[17]

Randolph also toured with The Four Tops, Gladys Knight & the Pips, and Hugh Masekela as part of the "Motown Sound" show in 1968.[18] In 1969 and 1970, Randolph issued two singles on the LHI label: "Woman to That Man" and "Miracle on 19th Street", but neither got beyond the status of promotional recordings.[19] Randolph focused on entertaining US forces in Vietnam during 1970, returning to paid performances the next year.[20]

Randolph married Eddie Singleton, who had been married to Berry Gordy's ex-wife, Raynoma Liles Gordy. They opened a production company together, and she retired from singing, except to re-record a version of "I Got A Feeling" for the Nightmare label in the UK in 1989.

By that time, the track – and other recordings by Randolph during her brief recording career – had achieved considerable popularity in Britain on the Northern soul dance scene, and since the 1980s has been reissued on several compilation albums. A collection of her recordings, most of which dated from 1969, but had never been issued, was released by Spectrum Records in 2003.[15][21]

Death

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Barbara Randolph died from cancer in South Africa in 2002, at the age of 60.[citation needed]

Filmography

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1953 Bright Road Tanya Hamilton
1967 Guess Who's Coming to Dinner Dorothy
1969 Cactus Flower Cigarette Girl Uncredited, (final film role)

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Barbara Randolph

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Barbara Randolph (May 5, 1942 – July 15, 2002) was an American singer and actress, best known for her recordings in the 1960s and her supporting role as Dorothy in the 1967 film . Born Barbara Ann Sanders in Detroit, Michigan, she was adopted by actress , a prominent performer in films such as and the radio series . As a child, Randolph began her entertainment career, appearing as Tanya Hamilton in the 1953 drama alongside and . By her mid-teens, she was singing with her uncle's vocal group, the Red Caps, marking the start of her musical pursuits. In music, Randolph signed with RCA Records in 1960, where she recorded backing vocals for the Primettes (later the Supremes) on their single "Tears of Sorrow." She joined the Platters in 1964 as a replacement for Zola Taylor, contributing to their album The New Soul of the Platters before departing in 1965. Her solo career peaked after signing with Motown in 1967, releasing singles like "I Got a Feeling" (which bubbled under the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 116) and covers such as "Can I Get a Witness." She toured extensively that year with acts including Marvin Gaye, the Four Tops, Gladys Knight & the Pips, and Hugh Masekela, and was even considered by Motown founder Berry Gordy as a potential lead vocalist for the Supremes. Later, she entertained U.S. troops in Vietnam in 1970 and released additional material on smaller labels, including the 1992 album Breaking Into My Heart on Motorcity Records. Randolph's acting credits were more limited but notable, including a guest role as Miss Nichols on the television series Channing in 1963. Her performance in Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, directed by Stanley Kramer, highlighted her amid a star-studded cast featuring Sidney Poitier, Katharine Hepburn, and Spencer Tracy, contributing to the film's exploration of interracial marriage. In her later years, Randolph married producer Eddie Singleton and co-founded a production company, shifting focus from performing to behind-the-scenes work. She died of cancer in South Africa at age 60 and was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit. Her legacy endures through her contributions to soul music and mid-20th-century cinema, bridging Motown's golden era and Hollywood's social dramas.

Early Life and Family

Birth and Adoption

Barbara Randolph was born Barbara Ann Sanders on May 5, 1942, in , . She was adopted by the actress during Lillian's marriage to Edward Sanders, taking the surname Sanders from her adoptive family. This adoption placed Barbara in a environment from an early age, as Lillian was a prominent Hollywood actress known for roles in films like (1946) and the radio and television series . Growing up as the daughter of a established entertainer in , Barbara gained initial exposure to the industry through her adoptive mother's nightclub performances and connections, shaping her foundational years in a family immersed in performance arts.

Childhood and Early Influences

Barbara Randolph spent her formative years in , , a city renowned for its burgeoning African American cultural and musical landscape in the mid-20th century. Adopted by actress , she grew up in a household deeply embedded in the industry, providing her with direct access to the evolving music scene that would give rise to Records in 1959. Her adoptive mother's successful career in radio, film, and stage performances profoundly shaped Randolph's early interest in the , immersing her in an environment rich with artistic influences and opportunities. By her early teens, this familial connection led to initial forays into entertainment alongside Lillian, hinting at her budding talents in and within Detroit's vibrant theater and music circles.

Music Career

Early Recordings and Group Affiliations

Barbara Randolph's entry into the music industry occurred in 1958, when she joined the vocal group The Red Caps alongside her mother, Lillian Randolph. The Red Caps, led by her uncle Steve Gibson, were a longstanding R&B ensemble known for their harmonious style and extensive touring schedule. Randolph and her mother served as female vocalists, contributing to the group's performances during a brief period that marked her initial professional exposure in group settings. Transitioning to solo work, Randolph made her recording debut with in 1960. This early affiliation introduced her to major-label production, though specific releases from this era remain limited in documentation. Her first documented solo single, "Sweet Daddy Tree Top Tall" backed with "Rock Lomond," appeared on in 1964, showcasing her emerging soul-inflected vocals prior to deeper involvement with established groups. In 1964, Randolph joined as their female lead, replacing amid the group's transition to a more contemporary sound. During her one-year tenure from 1964 to 1965, she contributed to the album The New Soul of the Platters, released on Mercury in 1965, which blended R&B with emerging soul elements. Notably, Randolph took lead vocals on "Hard Hearted Hannah," the final track the group recorded for Mercury on December 9, 1964, amid internal challenges including the arrest of member Paul Robi. She departed in 1965 following these dynamics, paving the way for subsequent lineup changes.

Motown Period and Breakthrough Singles

In 1967, Barbara Randolph signed with Records on its subsidiary label, marking a significant shift in her career toward the burgeoning scene in . This period positioned her within Motown's innovative ecosystem, where she was briefly considered as a potential replacement for in following Ballard's departure from the group. Although this opportunity did not materialize, it underscored Randolph's rising profile at the label, built on her prior experience with groups like . Randolph's Motown tenure produced two key singles, both showcasing her versatile soul delivery and the label's signature polished production. Her debut single, "I Got a Feeling," released in September 1967 on Soul 35044, was an uptempo cover of the ' earlier track, written by the prolific Holland-Dozier-Holland team. Produced by Hal Davis at 's studio on West Grand Boulevard in , the recording featured the label's renowned , , delivering a gospel-inflected with driving rhythms and brass accents that highlighted Randolph's emotive vocals. The B-side, "You Got Me Hurtin' All Over," was an original penned by Davis, Dimple Fields, and Henry B. Jackson, emphasizing themes of romantic turmoil. Despite critical appreciation for its energetic sound, the single did not achieve notable chart success, failing to crack the Hot 100. The following year, Randolph released "Can I Get a Witness" in August 1968 on Soul 35050, another cover—this time of Marvin Gaye's 1963 hit—also produced by Hal Davis in the same Hitsville facility. Retaining the Holland-Dozier-Holland composition, her version adopted a funkier, more urgent groove with prominent bass lines and call-and-response elements, reflecting Motown's evolving stylistic experimentation during the late 1960s. The single reused "You Got Me Hurtin' All Over" as its B-side, a cost-effective choice common in Motown's assembly-line approach to releases. Like its predecessor, it received praise for Randolph's passionate interpretation but saw limited commercial impact, not entering major charts and contributing to her brief stint with the label ending after these efforts. These recordings exemplified Randolph's integration into Motown's collaborative environment, where producers like Davis shaped artists to fit the label's crossover appeal while fostering soul authenticity.

Touring and Later Performances

In 1968, Barbara Randolph toured with , serving as a replacement for after the latter fell ill during performances. That same year, she joined , & the Pips, and for the "Motown Sound" show, delivering live renditions of her recent singles to audiences across the . These tours highlighted Randolph's stage presence and contributed to her growing reputation within the Motown roster, though they were among her last major U.S.-based performances before a shift in focus. By 1970, Randolph paused commercial engagements to entertain U.S. stationed in , performing for troops amid the ongoing conflict. Her efforts included broadcasts on American Forces Vietnam Network radio, such as a November 27, 1970, appearance hosted by Gene Wheat, providing morale-boosting to service members far from home. She resumed paid performances the following year, but this period underscored her commitment to live shows beyond mainstream circuits. Randolph's recordings later found renewed acclaim in Britain's scene starting in the 1980s, where tracks like "I Got a Feeling" became staples at all-night dance events for their upbeat rhythms and emotional depth. This cult following prompted invitations to events and culminated in her re-recording an updated version of "I Got a Feeling" for the Nightmare label in 1989. In 1992, she released the album Breaking Into My Heart on Motorcity Records.

Acting Career

Child Acting Debut

Barbara Randolph made her acting debut at the age of eight in the 1953 drama , portraying Tanya Hamilton, the supportive best friend of the film's troubled young protagonist, C.T. Young. In this supporting role, credited under her birth name Barbara Ann Sanders, she appeared alongside established performers including as the idealistic teacher Jane Richards and in his screen debut as the school principal. The film, directed by Gerald Mayer and adapted from Mary Elizabeth Vroman's short story "See How They Run," explores themes of education and resilience in a rural Southern all-Black elementary school, where Richards works to overcome C.T.'s academic and personal challenges following the death of his close friend Tanya from . This debut marked Randolph's introduction to professional acting and highlighted the familial ties in entertainment, as she was adopted by actress , known for roles in films like (1946) and voice work on radio and television.

Adult Film Roles

Barbara Randolph transitioned to adult acting roles in the mid-1960s, building on her earlier child performance in (1953). Her most notable film appearance came in 1967, where she portrayed Dorothy, a supporting character in the acclaimed racial drama , directed by . In the film, Dorothy is depicted as a lively waitress who interacts with the main characters during a restaurant scene, contributing to the story's exploration of and social tensions through her energetic presence and . Randolph's subsequent film role was smaller and uncredited, appearing as the Cigarette Girl in the 1969 romantic comedy Cactus Flower, starring , , and . This brief part marked her final screen appearance in feature films, aligning with the peak of her music career but demonstrating her continued involvement in Hollywood productions. In addition to these films, Randolph had a minor television cameo in the 1963 episode "A Window on the War" of the series Channing, playing the role of Miss Nichols, a school staff member in a centered on educational and social issues. This appearance represented one of her few documented TV roles during the decade, underscoring her selective engagement in acting amid her primary focus on music.

Personal Life and Later Years

Marriage and Business Ventures

Barbara Randolph married music producer and former Motown A&R executive Eddie Singleton in the early 1970s, following her 1970 tour entertaining U.S. forces in Vietnam. Singleton, who had previously been married to Raynoma Liles Gordy, Berry Gordy's ex-wife and Motown co-founder, brought extensive industry experience to the union. Together, Randolph and Singleton co-founded a aimed at managing her professional endeavors and nurturing other artists' talents. This venture shifted her focus toward behind-the-scenes roles, allowing her to oversee aspects of her music releases and acting projects while leveraging Singleton's production expertise during the . The company facilitated continued involvement in the industry, including support for her occasional recordings and performances that built on her Motown-era success.

Relocation and Retirement

Following the establishment of a with her husband Eddie Singleton, Barbara Randolph effectively withdrew from active performance, marking her retirement from singing after releasing the album Breaking Into My Heart in 1992 on Motorcity Records. This album represented her final original musical endeavor, signaling a deliberate step back from the demands of the industry after decades of touring and recording. In her later years, Randolph relocated to , embracing a more private existence away from the public eye.

Death and Legacy

Illness and Death

In her later years, after relocating to , Barbara Randolph was diagnosed with cancer. She died from the disease on July 15, 2002, in , at the age of 60. Her remains were returned to the , where she was interred at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit, Michigan.

Posthumous Recognition

Following her death in 2002, Barbara Randolph received posthumous recognition through the release of her The Collection by Spectrum Music, a subsidiary of , in 2003. This gathered 16 tracks, primarily unissued recordings from 1969 sessions in , including covers like "Can I Get a Witness" and originals such as "You Got Me Hurtin' All Over," all transferred from original analog masters to highlight her soulful sound. The release introduced many of her lesser-known works to new audiences, preserving her contributions to the label's catalog. Randolph's music continued to appear in subsequent Motown anthologies, affirming her place in the label's historical narrative. In 2006, The Very Best of Barbara Randolph was issued by Motorcity Records, compiling 12 tracks spanning her Motown era and later independent recordings, such as the extended "Breaking Into My Heart." Her single "I Got a Feeling" was featured on the 2007 compilation The Magic of Motown, part of a reissued series celebrating Motown's enduring hits. In 2011, the compilation You Can't Hurry Love - The Best Of Barbara Randolph was released, featuring 16 tracks including covers and Motown singles. These inclusions in post-2002 collections underscore her integration into broader Motown retrospectives. Randolph's legacy has endured particularly in the movement, where her 1967 Motown single "I Got a Feeling" remains a revered anthem for its upbeat rhythm and danceability. The track frequently features in playlists, events, and revivals across the and beyond, with its high-energy appeal sustaining popularity among enthusiasts decades after her passing. This ongoing revival highlights her influence on soul subcultures, separate from her original chart performance.

References

  1. http://www.soulwalking.co.uk/Barbara%20Randolph.html
  2. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/8554308/barbara-randolph
  3. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0709872/
  4. https://www.musicvf.com/song.php?id=100405
  5. https://discover.hubpages.com/entertainment/Lillian-Randolph-A-Prolific-Black-Actress-of-the-Classic-Film-and-Classic-TV-Era
  6. https://www.nndb.com/people/275/000349225/
  7. http://www.soulwalking.co.uk/Respect2002.html
  8. https://wbssmedia.com/artists/detail/844
  9. https://www.uncamarvy.com/RedCaps/redcaps.html
  10. https://www.discogs.com/master/685022-Barbara-Randolph-Sweet-Daddy-Tree-Top-Tall-Rock-Lomond
  11. https://www.uncamarvy.com/Platters/platters.html
  12. https://classic.motown.com/story/standing-shadows-10-best-female-motown-stars-youve-never-heard/
  13. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0709872/trivia/
  14. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/barbara-randolph-mn0000062498
  15. https://www.discogs.com/release/2765064-Barbara-Randolph-I-Got-A-Feeling
  16. https://www.allmusic.com/song/i-got-a-feeling-mt0055862247
  17. https://www.discogs.com/master/401919-Barbara-Randolph-Can-I-Get-A-Witness-You-Got-Me-Hurtin-All-Over
  18. https://www.radioechoes.com/?show=66774a
  19. https://www.discogs.com/release/2826381-Barbara-Randolph-Breaking-Into-My-Heart
  20. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0045578/
  21. https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/639/bright-road
  22. https://www.nytimes.com/1953/04/29/archives/the-screen-in-review-mgms-bright-road-at-55th-street-catches.html
  23. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061735/
  24. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0538635/
  25. http://northernsoultrain.co.uk/artists/barbararandolph.html
  26. https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Singleton-2172
  27. https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Randolph-3771
  28. https://www.discogs.com/release/802896-Barbara-Randolph-The-Collection
  29. https://www.allmusic.com/album/collection-mw0000467473
  30. https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-very-best-of-barbara-randolph-mw0001143505
  31. https://open.spotify.com/album/7jmpVfmFahtBSxGFWR9V2N
  32. https://open.spotify.com/album/6cnGULkBOt3AZHnbRUdaDf
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