Publicist Randy Alexander died at age 62 on Sunday (Dec. 27) after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer. The news was confirmed by his friend and fellow publicist Renee Pfefer, who wrote on a GoFundMe page dedicated to helping Alexander with medical expenses, “It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of Randy Alexander’s passing tonight, Sunday, December 27, 2020. He began his new journey peacefully in his home in Marlton, NJ surrounded by his family. The words do not exist that can begin to express the gratitude to you all who have donated and prayed for him.”
Alexander, the founder and CEO of Randex Communications, was a well-known entertainment/lifestyle PR specialist based in the Philadelphia/New Jersey area, working with a diverse group of clients that included former SNL star Joe Piscopo, jam band Disco Biscuits, Deep Purple and magician The Amazing Kreskin. His recent roster included Oscar-winning composer Franke Previte (Dirty Dancing) and Philly soul songwriting/producing icons Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff.
“Randy Alexander was fixture in Philadelphia music,” says David Uosikkinen, drummer for The Hooters, in a statement to Billboard. “We’ve been friends since 1979. “It seemed like every concert, every event I’d be at, he’d be there. Fifty years of dedication to writing, marketing and promoting his clients, and the arts… He was a friend and amazing supporter of musicians and artists everywhere. His passing has deeply affected us and all who knew him.”
Alexander was also known for his work with the non-profit Philadelphia Music Alliance and the Asbury Park, New Jersey-based Parkinson’s Disease education/research organization Light of Day Foundation and he was nominated twice for the “Top Publicist” award by NARIP (National Association of Recording Industry Professionals) in its Best in the Biz Awards
A member of the Entertainment Publicists Professional Society and Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia, as well as an executive board member of the Philadelphia Music Alliance and member of the Grammy Recording Academy, Alexander volunteered as a ‘Grammy in the Schools’ instructor and panel moderator.
“Randy had been involved in the Recording Academy for years, and we were both on the Board for the Philadelphia Music Alliance — he drove the awareness of the Walk of Fame and the foundation work we did,” says Mark Schulz, Sr. executive director of NARAS Philadelphia in a statement. “Randy knew and worked with everyone — as much out of his immense passion for music as out of his actual work as a publicist. He had a huge heart and an enormous rolodex, always keeping Philadelphia’s music in the spotlight. With Randy’s passing, this music community has suffered a huge loss.”
Born on May 10, 1958, Alexander spent nearly 20 years in journalism before pivoting to PR, covering music, TV and radio for New Jersey’s Trenton Times, working as a rock columnist for Action, the in-house publication for the Philly’s Wachovia Spectrum and contributing to AOL’s MusicSpace channel. “When I became publicist at the spectrum and worked many events, Randy was a mainstay in the press box,” says Ike Richman of Ike Richman Communications. “He held court helping young reporters by showing them the ropes, he talked to DJs and shared insight on albums, and loved to just talk to music fans on the concourse about the artist that were playing that night. He also wrote about the circus, Disney on Ice, Sesame Street Live, or any show that was coming into the arena.
“When I left the spectrum and Wells Fargo Center to create my own PR firm, one of my first clients were the Philadelphia Eagles who had just won the Super Bowl,” he continued. “My team was in charge of media logistics for the Super Bowl celebration. Randy volunteered to assist me that day. He said I just want to be a part of something special and do anything that I can to help. That was Randy. He always wanted to help by lending a hand, mentoring, and showing everyone the ropes. He was a gentleman who only wanted the best in everyone, it was never about showing us how to do it, he liked to work behind the scenes and alongside of us giving us insight on best ways to succeed. He was an incredibly talented writer who loved to tell stories. His passion for telling stories is what made spending time with him fun. As much as he loved music and his work, he loved his family more than anything.”
Alexander is survived by his wife Randi, and their children, Zoe and Harrison; check out a moving tribute from Harrison here.
