College-Conservatory of Music Alum Adds Doctorate To Honors

Randy Edelman is undoubtedly one of our most accomplished graduates of the College-Conservatory of Music.  His career as a musician, songwriter and composer has been nationally recognized and repeatedly awarded.  He is sought after for scoring films, such  as the recent “Gettysburg,” and his songs have been recorded by such diverse performers as Barry Manilow and Blood, Sweat and Tears.

Edelman was raised in Teaneck, New Jersey, where he blossomed at an early age, playing piano at many recitals in the area.  He came to the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music to study piano and music composition, and graduated in 1969.  While in Cincinnati he freelanced as a music writer and arranger.

After graduation Randy headed to New York City and found immediate success on Broadway and as a television writer.  He soon went on the road and performed as the opening act for many popular artists, including The Carpenters and Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention.  He has appeared at concerts at the London Palladium and Drury Lane Theaters, and he has toured throughout Europe, Japan and Australia.

He has scored films in Los Angeles and composed for several television series.  His interests also include children’s projects, where he has been involved with PBS Wonderworks and numerous award-winning “After-School Specials.”

His accomplishments are nationally and internationally recognized.  He was given an Emmy Award for his music for the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony; a Golden Globe Nomination for the score for “The Last of the Mohicans,” and the British Academy Award Nomination for the same original score.  His work has been performed by the finest symphony orchestras in the world, including the London Symphony and the Boston Pops.  His music runs the gamut of creativity, from “Kindergarten Cop” and “Ghostbusters II” to “Diabolique.”

Mr. Edelman was given the UC College-Conservatory of Music Distinguished Alumni Award in 1990.