Randy Crawford

Randy Crawford (Veronica Crawford) is an American jazz and R&B vocalist born in 1952 in Macon, Georgia. A solo performer, she became known for her sophisticated vocal interpretations across jazz, soul, and R&B standards. Though based primarily in Europe during her peak years, Crawford achieved significant international commercial success, especially in the United Kingdom where she became a major chart force.

Crawford’s most prominent chart success came in 1979 and 1980. As a featured vocalist on The Crusaders’ “Street Life” (1979), she achieved transatlantic success. Her signature solo single “One Day I’ll Fly Away” (1980) reached number two on the UK charts and became her most enduring achievement. She recorded five top-20 hits in the UK and released six top-10 albums there. Though she appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 as a featured artist, comparable commercial breakthrough in her native United States proved more limited.

Throughout her career, Crawford recorded albums from 1976’s “Everything Must Change” through 2008’s “No Regrets,” demonstrating artistic versatility across soul standards, jazz interpretations, and original compositions. She collaborated with musicians including George Benson, Cannonball Adderley, The Crusaders, Al Jarreau, Bootsy Collins, and Quincy Jones. Recognition included the Best British Female Solo Artist award at the 1982 Brit Awards and Grammy nominations in the late 2000s. Crawford retired from performing following a 2018 South African tour cancellation.