Randy Ponzio is a name you may not have heard of if you aren’t too familiar with the Vancouver music scene. He was a Singer/Songwriter with soul to spare and a proclivity for effortlessly weaving reggae rock anthems. He received recognition as the winner of Shore 104.3 FM’s Song Search with his song “For the People”, and was featured in Nimbus’ Showcase Event – taking top prize in that too. Bob Marley was a huge influence on Ponzio, who was fortunate enough to perform with his children, Ziggy and Ky Mani Marley. Randy Ponzio moved to Vancouver four years ago and fell in love with its burgeoning music scene. The passion for the craft and the DIY-attitude that have come to define the Lower Mainland music culture is reflected in every fibre of Randy Ponzio’s staggering body of work.
Born on June 10th, 1976, in El Paso, Texas, Randy Ponzio was a star on the rise. On November 17th, 2011, Ponzio passed away in Vancouver. He was loved by his friends, fans and family, who came together in the days prior in search of the missing musician. They started Facebook groups asking if anyone had seen him. A tight-knit community of artists lost one of its own, deprived of a talented young musician who will never realize his significant potential. Randy Ponzio was a permanent fixture on the Vancouver music circuit, frequently seen busking around the city or playing gigs at local clubs.
Randy Ponzio was a remarkable musician, son, and father. He will be missed. He left behind three young children and donations for the Ponzio Children Fund can be made at http://www.randyponzio.com. Ponzio also released an EP called “For the People” on November 8th, 2011. If you donate at http://randyponzio.bandcamp.com/album/for-the-people, you will receive his EP in return.
Written by Patrick Do from http://fistfulofsound.com/
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