In Memoriam: Randy Fletcher

Noted touring production manager Randy "Baja" Fletcher died on August 27, several news outlets have reported. According to Billboard, his death occurred while setting up a Keith Urban concert at Put-in-Bay, Ohio. The Sandusky Reporter said that the cause of death was a fall from the stage. Fletcher was 72.

Fletcher's clients included ZZ Top, Waylon Jennings, Randy Travis, Brooks and Bunn, and Keith Urban.

Getting his start in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Fletcher was on the road around 50 years, beginning his touring career at the age of 17 with Bill Deal and the Rhondels. He traveled with the band up and down the East Coast on solo dates, as well as part of packaged shows of the era that included pop and Motown greats. In May 1969, he joined the US Army, serving in Vietnam. After his tour of duty, he returned to work with the Rhondels.

In 1978, he began a 10-year run as stage and production manager for Jennings. During this time, he also co-toured with Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Willie Nelson, and others. In 1988, he began working with Travis, continuing with him for five years. When Travis stepped back from touring, Fletcher began an 18-year run with Brooks & Dunn, then worked with Urban until his death.

In a statement to the website All Access, Sarah Trahern, CEO of the County Music Association, said, "Our community is mourning a leader and mentor to many in our industry. Our hearts are with his daughters and family, as well as his numerous road families through the years. His influence has reached generations of artists and crew personnel. He played an integral role in some of country's most pioneering tours and supported the careers of some of the most celebrated country music icons. His impact is far-reaching. He will be dearly missed."