Randy Burns, a singer-songwriter regarded as a key figure of the folk revival scene, has died aged 78. He passed away peacefully in Melbourne, Florida, on 8 August, according to his obituary, with no further details of his death disclosed.

Born in Connecticut, Burns was drawn to music through his parents' involvement in local theatre, picking up his first guitar at 14 before dropping out of school at 17 to pursue music in New York City, where he became a regular opening act at the Gaslight in Greenwich Village. He went on to play with bands including The Morning, with whom he performed at the Troubadour and the Hollywood Bowl, and later The Skydog Band, before working for years as a security manager while still performing occasionally; his two former bands eventually reunited in the 2010s. He is survived by his daughter, grandsons, sister and other family and friends, and will be remembered privately, with his obituary describing him as "a true original" whose musical legacy endures.