Music Producer. As the founder of Dot Records, he became an instrumental figure in enhancing the careers of Pat Boone, Tab Hunter and Gale Storm. Born Randolph Clay Wood, the son of school teachers, he was educated at Middle Tennessee State University and served with the United States Army during World War II. Upon returning home, he established his own appliance shop business which contained a record section, but an eventual changeover took place to where it was an all record store. After becoming an investor in a radio station, Wood held recording sessions which led to his starting of Dot Records. Pat Boone became a 1950s teen idol under the label beginning with his number one hit "Ain't That A Shame" (1955); the score also helped Fats Domino's version earn a Top-Ten placing on the US Charts in 1955. Actress Gale Storm achieved pop singer status with her gold record "I Hear You Knocking" (1955) and Tab Hunter would have a number one hit for six weeks with "Young Love" (1957). In 1957, Wood sold Dot to Paramount Pictures but he would remain to serve as president for ten years. In addition, bandleader Lawrence Welk crossed-over to the pop charts with his number one song "Calcutta" (1960) while with the Dot label. Wood died of complications from a fall.
Music Producer. As the founder of Dot Records, he became an instrumental figure in enhancing the careers of Pat Boone, Tab Hunter and Gale Storm. Born Randolph Clay Wood, the son of school teachers, he was educated at Middle Tennessee State University and served with the United States Army during World War II. Upon returning home, he established his own appliance shop business which contained a record section, but an eventual changeover took place to where it was an all record store. After becoming an investor in a radio station, Wood held recording sessions which led to his starting of Dot Records. Pat Boone became a 1950s teen idol under the label beginning with his number one hit "Ain't That A Shame" (1955); the score also helped Fats Domino's version earn a Top-Ten placing on the US Charts in 1955. Actress Gale Storm achieved pop singer status with her gold record "I Hear You Knocking" (1955) and Tab Hunter would have a number one hit for six weeks with "Young Love" (1957). In 1957, Wood sold Dot to Paramount Pictures but he would remain to serve as president for ten years. In addition, bandleader Lawrence Welk crossed-over to the pop charts with his number one song "Calcutta" (1960) while with the Dot label. Wood died of complications from a fall.
Bio by: C.S.
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