Randy Tessier

Randy Tessier is an Ann Arbor-based guitarist, bassist, vocalist, and songwriter who has been a dynamic force in the Michigan music scene since the early 1970s. Known for his versatility and deep musicality, Randy has performed with a wide range of bands including Walrus, Private Sector, Los Chickens, George Bedard & the Kingpins, FUBAR, Al Jacquez Band, and Starfish. His expansive style spans blues, jazz, rock, funk, soul, and experimental sounds—delivering performances that are both grounded in groove and rich in creative expression.

RANDY ON RANDY

Music isn’t novel to me, much like you, I love it. Earliest recollections/memories would include my mom’s Jonah Jones’ “Muted Jazz,” LP and Martin Denny’s “Quiet Village” 45. Our early 60’s babysitter brought over the Elvis and dance hits of the time, and that was our TV (although she always turned it on for American Bandstand). I heard “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” and wanted to be like the Beatles -- fame, fortune and girls. Of course, actually playing the guitar requires patience and persistence. I decided I’d be a lead singer. This was in Marquette, Michigan. I kept at it. By 1970, I had learned to play the guitar, joined the local counter-culture band, got in trouble, and subsequently moved to Ann Arbor in 1972. Since then, in fits and starts, I’ve slowly maintained a public presence, playing with various local players, fronting my own bands, and never giving up on the quixotic hopes of a perennial dreamer. That’s what I have to say about me.