Profile in Callers and Cuers

Randy began dancing at age nine, but a football injury (broken leg) at age 15 created a boring six-month lay-up. During this time, he was inspired to give calling a try. He attended the 1967 Central Iowa Callers Clinic in Des Moines, Iowa. In 1972, Randy took on a teaching position at Fridley Grace High School. During his summer breaks, he found himself traveling farther and farther from home. In 1979, he left his teaching position to devote full time to his professional calling career.

From 1979 to 1986, he called on a regular basis for seven home clubs in the Twin Cities area, and broadened his traveling circuit to include much of the United States and many foreign countries. In 1986, Randy left Minnesota for the warmer climate of Arizona. Currently he runs a busy dance program in Mesa during the winter season. In the summer he tours the United States and books many foreign calling trips; recently including such countries as Canada, Mexico, Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, Japan, Saudi Arabia, England, Germany, Australia and New Zealand.

To date he has attended, and called for, nearly 40 National Conventions. He is an accredited Callerlab Caller Coach. He has served three terms on the Board of Governors of Callerlab, served on the Executive Committee for two years, and many instructional panels. Randy has been honored with a Special Recognition Award from Chairman Mike Seastrom for his assistance in taping all the sessions at the 1993 National Convention in order to establish the frequency count in use today. Throughout his career, Randy has recorded hits for many record companies.

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It is with a very heavy and sad heart to report that Randy Dougherty passed in his sleep in the middle of the night last night, Thursday May 6, 2022 after his long battle with cirrhosis of the liver (ironically he was not a drinker – he could play a good drunk) and kidney failure and being diabetic. It was a lot of ups and downs, but, Covid hit him twice and he just couldn’t recover.

He devoted most his life to our activity of square dancing! (He started as a teenager!) and was very dedicated and passionate about it. He was a choreographic wizard. He taught so many dancers and callers and provided hours & hours of fun for all!