Randy Newman writes songs that range from the mordant and ironic to the hilarious, the deeply heartfelt and painful, the understated, and the rockin'. A classically trained musician skilled in composition, his music is often more complex and interesting than most material that flirts with pop appeal. Newman also tends to write more difficult lyrics; but he has proved his ability to craft the Pop Song, and a few of his have been widely covered. Newman also has a solid cult following. He has had one major hit single - "
" (#2, 1978) - and recorded other popular songs, including "
" (#54, 1983) and "
" Since the '80s he has also established himself as a leading composer of movie soundtracks, collecting 13 Oscar nominations for his efforts.
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Newman grew up in a musical family with Hollywood connections; his uncles Alfred and Lionel both scored numerous films. By age 17, Randy was staff writer for a California music publisher. One semester short of a B.A. in music from UCLA, he dropped out of school. Lenny Waronker, son of Liberty Records' president, was a close friend and, later, as a staff producer for Warner Bros., helped get Newman signed to the label.
Newman's early songs were recorded by a number of performers. His friend Harry Nilsson recorded an entire album with Newman on piano, Nilsson Sings Newman, in 1970. Judy Collins ("I Think It's Going to Rain Today"), Peggy Lee ("Love Story"), and Three Dog Night - for whom "Mama Told Me (Not to Come)" hit #1 - all enjoyed success with Newman's music.
Newman became a popular campus attraction when touring with Nilsson. His status as a cult star was affirmed by his critically praised debut, Randy Newman, in 1968, which featured his own complex arrangements for full orchestra, and later by 1970's 12 Songs.
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