Randy Klein, a renowned pianist, keyboardist, songwriter, educator, author, and founder of the NYC-based independent music label Jazzheads, continues to make his mark in the world of music with an impressive and diverse career. As a polymath in the music industry, Klein explores various genres, including jazz, popular, and classical music, as well as theatrical works and film scoring. His innovative contributions to music have earned him critical acclaim, with his passion and expertise resonating across a range of creative projects.
Randy Klein’s Notable Contributions to Music
Throughout his illustrious career, Klein has amassed a remarkable list of achievements. His musical journey includes collaborations with highly respected artists, such as Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Diane Schuur and Broadway star Karen Mason. The legendary jazz figure, Dr. Billy Taylor, praised Klein’s ability to compose beautiful melodies, stating, “I’m glad that Randy Klein’s musical compositions really focus on his gift for melody. I love his work.”
As the founder of Jazzheads, Klein has overseen the release of over 225 titles on his independent label, which has garnered Grammy nominations and awards from prestigious publications like DownBeat and Jazz Journalist. Klein’s commitment to bringing innovative projects to life is evident in his continued exploration of new sounds and formats, from contemporary classical works to original musicals.
New Projects from Randy Klein in 2025
Klein kicks off 2025 with the release of his contemporary classical work “Invictus” on February 11. This composition, based on William Ernest Henley’s iconic poem, is performed by Jonathan Long and is now available for streaming on all major platforms. Klein’s deep dive into new musical territories also includes upcoming works such as the Black Swan Blues – The Concept Album and Songs That Speak, both set for performance in the spring of 2025.
Black Swan Blues features a blues-infused score and tells a powerful story of love, racial injustice, and redemption set in New Orleans, 1963. This performance will be held on May 19 at the Lambs Club in New York City and will feature an all-star cast of singers, including Karen Mason, Christian Hoff, and Jerry Dixon. The concert marks a significant step in the development of the musical, which is poised for a full production.
In addition, Songs That Speak is a performance piece that highlights the story of the protagonist in Speak, a comedic musical centered around branding in the commercial music world. The production, filled with rich melodies and multi-genre music, explores themes of being heard and finding true love.
Summer 2025: Jubilee – A Folk Opera Based on Margaret Walker’s Novel
Randy Klein’s Jubilee, a folk opera adapted from Margaret Walker’s acclaimed 1966 novel, will be presented as a workshop at Jackson State University in June 2025. Jubilee, which tells the story of Vyry, an African American woman’s journey from slavery to Reconstruction, holds deep social and cultural significance. Klein’s long-standing relationship with Walker’s work began with the For My People Song Cycle, a commissioned piece performed by the Mississippi Symphony, with a 120-voice chorale.
The Jubilee workshop will take place from June 9–14 and is part of the collaboration between Jackson State University’s opera department and Yale University’s HBCU partnership. A full concert version of the opera is scheduled for summer 2026.
Recognitions and Awards: A Lifetime of Achievements
Klein has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Creatives Rebuild New York grant (2022–23), and his compositions have earned accolades such as the USA Songwriting Competition Jazz category win in 2005. Additionally, Klein has won four Southern Regional Emmy Awards for his work on documentaries and TV productions, including the Richard Wright – Black Boy film.
In 2009, Klein won the BMI Foundation Jerry Harrington Award for Outstanding Creative Achievement in Musical Theatre. His contributions to music have not gone unnoticed, with his innovative compositions and impactful storytelling making him a leading figure in contemporary music.
Randy Klein’s Ongoing Role in Music Education
As a dedicated educator, Randy Klein conducts music clinics, teaches songwriting, and shares his vast experience in the music industry. He coaches aspiring songwriters at SongU.com in Nashville and presents workshops for organizations such as the Association for Popular Music Educators. In June 2025, Klein will present a songwriting workshop at the APME Conference in Memphis, focusing on the intersection of culture, history, and emotion in songwriting.
Upcoming 2025 Projects: The Randy Klein Songbook
In 2025, Klein will continue to promote his Songbook, an eclectic collection of his most notable songs, including collaborations with artists like Millie Jackson, Savion Glover, and Ashley Fox Linton. These songs, spanning genres from jazz to pop, will be spotlighted and shared with new audiences.
About Randy Klein:
A native of North Jersey, Randy Klein began performing at the young age of 14. He later graduated from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he was handed his diploma by Duke Ellington himself. Klein’s extensive career includes working with a variety of musical legends and founding Jazzheads, one of the most respected independent labels in New York City. With over 225 releases under the Jazzheads banner, Klein’s musical vision continues to thrive through his innovative projects and collaborations.
Randy Klein’s boundless creativity and passion for music serve as an inspiration to musicians and music lovers worldwide. His works continue to challenge the norms of jazz and popular music while addressing meaningful cultural themes.
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