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Photograph by David Walter Banks
Talking to Kevin Randoph, the singing rollerblader, is like speaking with a newly minted celebrity. He’s constantly pausing to smile and say hello to passersby. He’s jovial yet genuine, still soaking in the freshness of his popular social media status.
Atlanta magazine first spoke with Randolph in November 2024, and other publications soon followed. At first, we were just intrigued by this 62-year-old man powering down the Beltline’s Eastside Trail wearing thick, plastic-covered Beats while belting out pop songs day in and day out. After our conversation, we were sold on his authenticity and his uplifting mission to make Atlantans happy.
Apparently, others in the city were captivated as well. “That first month, I did a whole lot of interviews,” Randolph says. Following publication of our story, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Atlanta Voice, and CNN all wrote their own. Randolph’s social media presence took off and sponsorship offers followed.
Today, his Instagram (@Beltlinekevin) boasts 15,700 followers while his TikTok commands another 10,400. Brands like Lululemon, Patagonia, and Rollerblade send him clothing and gear, which he gladly sports. Atlanta United features him in advertisements in exchange for free season tickets. Senator Jon Ossoff invites him special events.
The exposure has increased his visibility and approachability. “When I’m on the Beltline or in the Kroger here, 90 percent of people recognize me,” he estimates. “But that’s not why I sing. I just wanted to help people after coronavirus. People were like really weird. And I was like, No, we’re not going to be this way in Atlanta.”
The biggest impact on his life, however, has been a year-long Rreal Tacos sponsorship for $100,000. He was approached by one of the owners, Damian Otero, who remembered him as a former 7th-grade teacher at Lilburn Middle School.
“It was an utter surprise,” Randolph says.
There are no set requirements—it’s more of a contract based on trust, he explains. He wears Rreal Tacos swag, participates in photo shoots, posts on social media, and makes appearances at the Beltline restaurant.
The money has allowed him to make meaningful changes in his life, including putting much‑delayed work into his aging 1920s home. Although technically retired—his resume includes time as a Navy electronics technician and a stint in real estate—Randolph is now considering how to navigate the opportunities that come with his visibility. He’s thinking about forming an LLC, hiring a manager, and building a more formal brand, though he remains cautious.
“My house still needs a ton of work,” he says. “I need to get an agent, but I don’t want to get a bad deal.”
He’s also exploring the idea of launching a website and selling Beltline Kevin merchandise, including stickers and T‑shirts. For now, though, he’s still spending time on the trail—singing, skating, and figuring out what comes next.
In between interviews and appearances, Randolph is preparing to add new songs to his repertoire. Lately, that means brushing up on Bad Bunny as he continues rolling through Atlanta’s 22‑mile pedestrian loop—no longer just a familiar face, but someone whose life was quietly transformed once the rest of the city started paying attention.
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