Arthur Rand Visits Grand Terrace Senior Center
By Kayla Sheldon
Community Writer
09/18/2014 at 10:24 AM
Community Writer
09/18/2014 at 10:24 AM
Inland Empire resident and former lead singer for the Ink Spots, Arthur Rand, now 90, made a special visit to the Grand Terrace Senior Center on Friday morning, Sept. 12. Known by many as one of the most influential and successful pioneer vocal groups to come out of the WWII era, the Ink Spots had years of success in the insustry. Rand, who performed for 15 years as the lead singer of the group, was famous for his signature tune in the tenor and falsetto.
Before Rand arrived seniors at the center participated in a raffle. Jane Hanes, president of the Grand Terrace Senior Center, announced the three winners, who won a small gift bag full of goodies.
When Rand arrived, he made his way around the room, visiting with each person before beginning his performance.
This is not the first time Rand has visited the Grand Terrace Senior Center. He also performed for the locals about a year ago.
“I was really sick the last time I visited you guys,” Rand mentioned on the microphone. He had cancer around the same time he performed for them a year ago.
Rand is now completely healthy; and everyone started cheering when he told the crowd the good news.
After singing a couple songs Rand shared, “I’m just so glad to be here.”
“The greatest thing in the world is doing something people appreciate,” he added.
Before he arrived he told Hanes that he had a surprise. “I thought he was going to play piano while he sang,” Hanes shared. She agreed that the good news was much better.
Rand brought quite a few of his CDs, available to the attendees for purchase after the performance.
Rand added at the end of his performance, “God has really blessed me… I am very pleased and grateful for all of you.”