On March 19, 1982, the world lost one of its greatest musicians in a plane crash: Randy Rhoads.
Mood music:
The songwriting and guitar playing he did on Ozzy Osbourne’s first two solo albums — “Blizzard of Oz” and “Diary of a Madman” — is required listening for anyone who is serious about playing the instrument.
He was also something rare in Rock ‘n Roll: a humble man who was ready to give up his success and fame in favor of earning a degree in classical guitar at UCLA.
The man’s goodness as a human being and prowess as a musician has been a big influence on me. Make no mistake about that. Whenever I need the inspiration to do my absolute best — whatever the task — I put on one of those albums. The mental sluggishness leaves me every time.
Rest in peace, beautiful soul.
