Randy Newman

Randy Newman is a singer-songwriter, pianist, composer, and arranger whose career in American music spans more than six decades. Born in Los Angeles into a family of Hollywood film composers, Newman is recognized for his Americana-inspired songs, Southern-accented singing, and lyrics that are often mordant or satirical, frequently delivered by an unreliable narrator. His uncles Alfred, Lionel, and Emil Newman were film composers, and his cousins David and Thomas Newman also became prominent in film music. Newman studied musical composition at the University of California at Los Angeles and began his career as a staff songwriter for a publishing company.

Newman's early years as a recording artist were marked by critical recognition, with his songs becoming popular material for other performers. Artists achieved chart success with recordings of "Mama Told Me Not to Come," "I Think It's Going to Rain Today," and "You Can Leave Your Hat On." He gained recognition for his satirical and ironic songs that explored complex themes and characters, distinguishing his work among his contemporaries. Notable hits such as "Short People" from "Little Criminals" and "I Love L.A." from "Trouble in Paradise" exemplify the layered wit that defines his artistry. His album "Dark Matter" earned a Grammy Award for Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals for the song "Putin," reinforcing his reputation as a commentator on American life.

Newman began a collaboration with Pixar Animation Studios, receiving Academy Award nominations for his work on "Toy Story." He has scored nine Disney/Pixar feature films, including "Toy Story," "A Bug's Life," "Toy Story 2," "Monsters, Inc.," "Cars," "Toy Story 3," "Monsters University," "Cars 3," and "Toy Story 4." His contributions to these films produced enduring songs such as "You've Got a Friend in Me" and "We Belong Together." Additional film scores by Newman include "Avalon," "Parenthood," "James and the Giant Peach," "Seabiscuit," "Awakenings," "The Paper," "Meet the Parents," and "Meet the Fockers."

Newman has received numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards from 22 nominations, three Emmys, and seven Grammy Awards, as well as nominations for a BAFTA Award and seven Golden Globe Awards. He won his first Oscar for "If I Didn't Have You" from "Monsters, Inc." and a second for "We Belong Together" from "Toy Story 3." His song "I Can't Let You Throw Yourself Away" for "Toy Story 4" and his score for the drama "Marriage Story" earned additional Oscar nominations. Newman's song "It's a Jungle Out There" was used for the USA Network show "Monk" and won the Emmy Award for Best Main Title Music.

Newman has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, named a Disney Legend, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He is the first of six composers to work on a Pixar film and the first Pixar composer to have worked for Disney. With a body of work that bridges pop, Americana, and cinematic storytelling, Newman has shaped the soundscape of American culture across generations.