Randy scored two minor hits in our country in the late '70s, with 'Short People' and 'Rider In The Rain'. At seventeen, he was already writing professionally while studying music at UCLA. He dropped out a semester before graduating because he got his own record deal. His self-titled debut album was not a success, but in the following years his songs were sung by, among others, Dusty Springfield and Peggy Lee.
Controversy
Newman's second album, called 12 Songs, was well received, although this was not reflected in the sales figures. The CD 'Live' also did not bring Newman a hit, but things went a little better with the 1972 album 'Sail Away'. In 1974, the controversial concept album Good Old Boys was released, which is about the southern part of the USA.
Small
Newman's real breakthrough came in 1977 with the song 'Short People'. The song about 'little people' caused a small uproar because many people found it offensive. As a result, the song reached number two in the American charts. The album 'Little Criminals', which features the single, also sold well. Newman decided to go on tour again for the first time since 1974.
Composer
His next album Born Again was met with mixed feelings and eventually Newman decided to follow in the footsteps of his uncles Alfred and Lionel and become a film composer. His first assignment, the music for the film Ragtime, earned him two Oscar nominations. In 1983, Newman released the album Trouble in Paradise, which includes the track 'I Love L.A.', regarded by many as a classic '80s track.
Toy Story
It remained quiet until 1988 when the album Land of Dreams was released, an album on which Newman performed more personal songs. This album also did not sell very well and success only returned in 1996 when the song 'You've Got a Friend' from the film Toy Story was nominated for an Oscar. Newman was eventually nominated 16 times for an Oscar and finally won one for his song 'If I Didn't Have You' from the Disney film Monsters Inc. In 1999, the album Bad Love was released, followed in 2011 by Harps and Angels.
In 2010, Newman received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Top 2000
In the 23rd edition of the Top 2000, there is no longer a single song by Randy Newman. On Spotify, De Platenbar has a Top 2000 Inspiration playlist. Would you like Randy to return to the Top 2000? Then add your favourite songs here!
Sunday Morning Classics
Our Sunday Morning Classic stage has already hosted many great artists. On Sunday 30 October 2022, it was Randy Newman's turn with his 3rd studio album Sail Away from 1972.
The album plays a key role in Newman's repertoire and contains several of his best-known songs. Musically, Newman strikes a balance on this record between the orchestral sound of his debut Randy Newman and the rock sound of 12 Songs.
The album is a good example of Newman's sarcastic musical satire. On the title track Sail Away, he adopts the persona of an American slave trader. He tries to convince his potential slaves to board his ship and come to America, a country he portrays as a land of happiness and abundance. In Political Science, Newman takes a jab at world politics, suggesting that the American practice of carpet bombing the world would be a solution to overpopulation and hunger.
He doesn't have a truly beautiful voice (which isn't necessary), but his voice is very recognisable. The piano playing is quite simple and very effective. Randy Newman masters the art of omission: achieving maximum expression and atmosphere with as few means as possible. He lets his craftsmanship shine through in small songs with witty lyrics.
Sail Away has a collection of delightful songs. The best-known song from this album is You Can Leave Your Hat On, but that is thanks to Joe Cocker's cover 14 years later. In Newman's version, you can also hear Ry Cooder on guitar.
Source: NPO and Wikipedia Photo: Angela George and royalty-free
Below you will find a small selection of Randy Newman's albums. If you are looking for a specific album, let us know. We enjoy helping you search.
