Randall Stuart Newman
- Born
- November 28, 1943, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Nationality
- American
- Profession(s)
- Singer-songwriter, Pianist, Composer, Arranger
Early Life and Education
- Newman was born into a musical family; his uncles Alfred, Lionel, and Emil Newman were all noted film composers.
- He spent a significant portion of his childhood in New Orleans, Louisiana, which influenced his musical style.
- He studied music at UCLA, but dropped out before graduating to pursue a career in songwriting.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his songwriting career in the 1960s, penning hits for artists like Judy Collins, Peggy Lee, and Dusty Springfield.
- Released his self-titled debut album in 1968, showcasing his distinct songwriting style and sardonic wit.
- Achieved mainstream recognition with his 1972 album Sail Away, featuring songs that explored American themes and social commentary.
- Known for his film scores, including contributions to numerous Disney and Pixar animated films.
- His song "Short People," released in 1977, became a controversial hit. The humor in the song "randy newman short people meaning" was often misinterpreted, despite being a satire of prejudice.
Notable Works
Discography
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 1968 | Randy Newman |
| 1972 | Sail Away |
| 1974 | Good Old Boys |
| 1977 | Little Criminals |
| 1979 | Born Again |
| 1983 | Trouble in Paradise |
| 1988 | Land of Dreams |
| 1999 | Bad Love |
| 2008 | Harps and Angels |
| 2017 | Dark Matter |
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Film | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Ragtime | Composer |
| 1995 | Toy Story | Composer, Songwriter ("You've Got a Friend in Me") |
| 1996 | James and the Giant Peach | Composer |
| 1998 | A Bug's Life | Composer |
| 1999 | Toy Story 2 | Composer, Songwriter ("When She Loved Me") |
| 2001 | Monsters, Inc. | Composer, Songwriter ("If I Didn't Have You") |
| 2006 | Cars | Composer, Songwriter ("Our Town") |
| 2010 | Toy Story 3 | Composer, Songwriter ("We Belong Together") |
| 2013 | Monsters University | Composer |
| 2019 | Toy Story 4 | Composer, Songwriter ("I Can't Let You Throw Yourself Away") |
Awards and Recognition
- Academy Awards: Two wins for Best Original Song ("If I Didn't Have You" from Monsters, Inc. and "We Belong Together" from Toy Story 3).
- Primetime Emmy Awards: Three wins.
- Grammy Awards: Seven wins.
- Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002.
- Disney Legend (2007)
Legacy and Impact
Randall Newman is a highly respected figure in American music, renowned for his distinctive songwriting, cynical wit, and contributions to film scores. His work has left a lasting impact on popular culture, influencing generations of songwriters and composers.