Charles Randolph Goodrum, known as Randy Goodrum, was born on July 7, 1947, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. A versatile and accomplished musician, Goodrum is celebrated for his work as a songwriter, pianist, and producer across multiple genres, including pop, country, rock, jazz, and R&B. His early exposure to a variety of musical styles in Arkansas, a geographical crossroads, significantly influenced his diverse musical career.

Goodrum began playing the piano by ear as a child and took formal piano lessons from the age of eight, studying classical music before transitioning to jazz. He attended Hot Springs High School, where he performed in a jazz trio with future U.S. President Bill Clinton. He later graduated with a Bachelor of Music in piano from Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas, where he discovered his talent for songwriting.

After serving in the U.S. Army and performing in the army band, Goodrum moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue a career in songwriting. His breakthrough came with the 1978 hit "You Needed Me," recorded by Anne Murray, which won Song of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards and earned Murray a Grammy Award.

Throughout his career, Goodrum has written hit songs for a wide array of artists, including Steve Perry, Toto, DeBarge, Chicago, Kenny Rogers, and Dottie West. His notable works include "Bluer Than Blue," "Oh Sherrie," "Foolish Heart," and "I'll Be Over You." He has also released several solo albums, primarily in the jazz and pop genres, and has worked as a session and touring keyboardist with artists such as Roy Orbison and Dionne Warwick.

Goodrum's contributions to music have been recognized with his induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2000. He continues to be active in the music industry, writing and producing music, and has recently released an album titled "Red Eye."