“It ain't nothing but a good time” – Randy Jones in Oklahoma

by Rob Howard
Associate Editor

When the producers of the Village People invited Randy Jones to join the group, “Their unique and original idea was very attractive and impossible to resist.”

Jones, who became the original Cowboy for the group, says, “Little did any one of us know that our work laden with blood, sweat and tears would still be making an impact today and that to this very day, our music would still be listened to at Major League Baseball games, European Professional Soccer League matches,” and many other venues. “I'm amazed and appreciative every single day.”

Oklahomans will get to see Randy Jones live Saturday, October 29, at the State Theatre in Harrah, just 25 minutes from downtown Oklahoma City. Jones is an actor, author, American Music Award winner and multi-platinum recording artist. Perhaps best known for his hits with the group, like Macho Man, In the Navy, Go West and Y.M.C.A., he has earned 75 Gold and Platinum record certificates, toured worldwide, starred in the camp classic film, Can't Stop the Music, made the cover of Rolling Stone Magazineand was honored with a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.

With so many achievements, The Gayly asked Jones what were the standouts. “That's a tough one.” He cited his first gold and platinum records, performing four nights sold out at Madison Square Garden, and meeting Queen Elizabeth II of England. He jokes he has performed for “countless other queens” as well.

He’s looking forward to the Oklahoma show. “It's a show of eclectic pop songs and stories...it's as intimate as it is broad. That's why we've titled it, Glory Days and Disco Nights; An Evening with Randy Jones. Included are not only all the hits from my days with Village People, but also the international hits from my last three solo CDs. And of course the new stuff from my brand new CD, Mister Right.”

And Jones’ concert isn’t his only performance. On Friday night, the State Theatre shows Rocky Horror Picture Show. Kat, at the theatre, describes it as, “Old school 80’s college, just come and have a good time. You show up in costume if you want, play a character, or if you want to just chill and take it all in, that’s okay too.” Jones is expected to appear as the character Frankenfurter for the night’s festivities.

Harrah’s State Theatre is an intimate setting with a large venue feel. The “worst seat” in the house is only 33 feet from the stage. It’s a setting that suits Jones. He says, “When I'm out there on the stage, I feel like I'm visiting with a bunch of old and new friends. It's about having fun and spending a fun 90 minutes or so together. It ain't nothing but a good time. I'm looking forward to being with y'all in Oklahoma.”

In addition to performing, Jones has spent much of the summer filming what he describes as, “a family-oriented action adventure film, The Rack Pack.” Jones plays Colonel Lamb, “co-starring with C. Thomas Howell, whom you may know from ET. Think Goonies meets Sandlot meets Home Alone.”

He is also working on a memoir, Glory Days, Disco Nights, which he describes as “a work in progress. Included are so many memories of the spectacular experiences from this wonderful life with which I've been blessed.” His nearly 50 years in showbiz have been packed full of experiences. He hopes it will be published in 2019.

Randy Jones, now 63, grew up in North Carolina, and escaped to New York after college. He encourages LGBT kids growing up in a Red state, saying, “First and always, never give up hope. Progress always happens. It may not happen instantaneously, as a bolt of lightning, but often occurs in incremental baby steps. Progress always takes root first in the hearts of good men and women, and grows and spreads.”

Jones shares his life with his partner Will Grega. They exchanged vows in 2004, and were legally married in 2013 after New York approved same-sex marriage. “March of 2017 we will celebrate 33 years together. We've just built on our love for each other year after year and have grown together and learned from each other how to communicate with, be sensitive to and appreciate each other as time as gone by.”

Randy Jones plays at The State Theater, 1961 N. Church Ave. in Harrah, on October 29 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $45 and are available by calling (405) 309-6166, online at www.TheStateOK.com, or in person 3 to 6 p.m. weekdays. Tickets for the October 28 Rocky Horror Picture Showare $10. Harrah is just 25 minutes East of downtown Oklahoma City. Wine and beer, soft drinks, and snacks are available at The State. There is plenty of free parking.

Copyright 2016 The Gayly – October14, 2016 @ 7:55 a.m.