Village People’s ‘Cowboy’ Is A North Carolina Native Who Never Tires Of ‘YMCA’
There are some songs that no matter how hard you try, or how much you want to, you cannot get out of your head. Then there are songs that cause you to physically react when hearing them. Then there are songs that fall into both categories. These are rare. These are iconic. One of them, unquestionably is The Village People’s “YMCA.”
Admit it, just reading its title not only did you start singing the chorus, but chances are your arms went in the air spelling out the letters overhead as the song merely played in your head. And everyone around you is looking at you like you’re a crazy person. And you hate yourself for this, right?
You know who doesn’t? Randy Jones. Who is Randy Jones? I thought you’d never ask. Randy is “The Cowboy” in the Village People. And his village is, has been, and always will be, Raleigh North Carolina. Back in the mid 1970s, Jones went from starring in Enloe High School’s production of “Camelot” to working as a backup singer for Grace Jones-rocking a major Marlboro Man mustache and wearing the skimpiest of leather outfits.
It was while doing this gig in 1977 that he was approached by a couple of music producers who liked his look and wanted to know if he’d like to be a part of a new group. The rest, as they say is history.
Some people are resentful of being known for a single song or cultural event. Not Randy Jones. He told the Raleigh News & Observer “I have not heard that song enough. Do you know how many people would give their left (body part) or their right (other body part) to have a hit song? Every time it’s played somebody puts money in my checking account. Since 1977. My life has been wonderful. My life has been blessed.”
Jones has told his story many times and will do so again when one of Raleigh’s most famous sons returns to GalaxyCon on July 27. He’ll put on the outfit, meet with fans, and sign autographs.
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