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Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Randolph Family (Musical Groups) Collection, 1968-1975, Ms2026-003, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
The Randolph Family (Musical Groups) Collection was purchased by Special Collections and University Archives in August, 2024.
The processing, arrangement, and description of the Randolph Family (Musical Groups) Collection was completed in March, 2026.
The Randolph family of Roanoke, Virginia, had three family music groups in the 1960s and 1970s. Their bands operated somewhat interchangeably and they were well-known regionally for blues music. Their most well known songs were "Happy Fool" (as Belva & The Randolph Brothers) and "What It Is Part I / What It Is Part II" as The Randolph Bros. Plus.
The Randolph Brothers had contracts with Star City Records, HIT Attractions Inc., and an association with WTOY, Roanoke, Virginia's, Soul station. They also applied for a copyright on their song "What It Is" under the name Hot Tomato Publishing Company.
Ulysses Randolph was born May 19, 1920 in Roanoke, Virginia and died July 24, 2011. He worked on the railroad for Norfolk & Western and as a laborer at Shaffer's Crossing. On November 3, 1944, he married Willie Beatrice Petty, (born November 17, 1925, died May 28, 1998)
Ulysses and Willie had seven sons and five daughters. During the 1960s and 1970s, their children formed family bands managed by their eldest son Alfred, and co-managed by their second son, Michael. Eventually, the bands would include at least six of their sons, two of their daughters, and at least one cousin.
Their children:
Gloria Latrisia Randolph (circa 1941 -), married James L. Jones on June 30, 1972
Eugenia (Genie) M. Randolph (circa 1943 -), married Stan Philpott
Alfred Henry Randolph II (1945-02-18 - 2024-06-28), married Charlene Olivia Miller on April 23, 1962. Alfred played saxophone and managed the Randolph family bands. He also spent time as a member of the Chevys and Premiers band.
Michael Francis Randolph (1946-03-04 - ), married Gay Christa Ballou on April 3, 1971. Michael played guitar, and wrote and arranged music the family bands.
Reginald McKinley Randolph, Sr.(1947-08-24 - 2016-03-07), married Rosa Lee Henderson on August 28, 1966. Reginald played saxophone, provided vocals, and co-managed the family bands. He also spent time as a member of the Chevys and Premiers band.
Belva Lorraine Shannon (1949-08-23 - 2023-01-25), married Leon Eldridge Hamlet on October 28, 1967 and they divorced March 2, 1970. She later married Willie Shannon on May 11, 1973. Belva was the lead vocalist for the family bands. She also worked for WTOY, the local Soul radio station.
Valerie Denise Randolph (1951-04-15 - ), married Melvin William Garrett on October 28, 1987 and they divorced November 28, 1994. She later married Samuel Franklin, Jr. on July 1, 2006. Valerie provided backup vocals for the family bands.
Marvin Alton Randolph, Sr. (1954-10-26 - 2024-01-02), married Vera Jones on October 16, 1975 and they divorced May 26, 1988. He later married Brenda Catherine Small on July 15, 1995. Marvin played bass guitar in the family bands. Later, from 1985 to 1988, he played in the Greensboro, North Carolina, band Black & Blue.
Rodney Jerome Randolph (1956-04-08 - ), married Lolita Morton on August 23, 1981. Rodney played drums in the family bands and later was the drummer for the Greensboro, North Carolina, band Black & Blue.
Stephanie Yvonne Randolph (1960-02-23 - ) married Donald Leroy Campbell, Jr. on September 15, 1988.
Phillip Anthony Randolph (1961-03-04 - ) married Dianne Elisabeth Worrell on August 15, 1981. Phillip worked as a railroad brakeman and conductor for thirty-three years. It is not clear whether he or his brother Clinton played the keyboard with the family bands.
Clinton David Randolph (1962-12-26 - ) married Virginia Louise Jennings on May 16, 1988. It is not clear whether he or his brother Phillip played the keyboard with the family bands.
This collection contains photographs, papers, and artifacts related to the musical groups of the Randolph family of Roanoke, Virginia. The photographs feature publicity photos of the family bands and an album with private family photos. The papers include business cards, band contracts, programs and promotional posters, a newspaper article, a calendar of show dates, and copyright paperwork for the song "What it is". Also included is Alfred's stage costume with multiple bow tie options.
Papers are arranged by type. Band contracts are arranged by contracted group and then by show date.
The guide to the Randolph Family (Musical Groups) Collection by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 (