Randy Rhoads: Beginnings
Born Randall William Rhoads on December 6, 1956 at St. John's Hospital in Santa
Monica CA, Randy Rhoads lead a life that centered around music until his
untimely death on March 19, 1982. While his impact on the guitar world may never
be fully understood, his contributions can be found in the work of many
rock and roll and classical guitarists who list Rhoads as a major impact
influence.
His love and understanding of music can be rightfully attributed to his
mother, Delores Rhoads, who introduced him to music at a young age.
After graduating from UCLA with a bachelor's degree in music, she taught
in the Los Angeles School system before playing piano professionally. In 1949
she started the Musonia School of Music in North Hollywood, CA, which she
continues to operate today. Randy's father was also a music teacher, but
deserted the family when Randy was 17 months old, leaving Mrs. Rhoads to
raise three children, Randy, Kellie and Kathy, while she directed the music program at Musonia.
©1980-2005 International Guitar Research Archive, California State University, Northridge
