Guest DJ Randy Newman
August 4, 2008 - All Songs Considered's Bob Boilen says that Randy Newman's new CD, Harps and Angels, is as good as anything he's ever done — and, at times, better. Boilen says he's happy he doesn't have to say, "I really liked his older stuff," and that it's a relief to be able to say, "I like him better when he's older." He invited Randy Newman to guest DJ an episode of the show and talk about his favorite songs, as well as the musicians who've influenced him the most.
Newman tells stories about his musical family. Three of his uncles composed for film, the most well-known being Alfred Newman. He recalls the lady who took care of him and his brothers when he was young introducing him to LaVern Baker and Elvis Presley. But Newman says that Ray Charles was probably his biggest influence; Newman thinks he sounded like Ray Charles before he even heard him. And he remembers the rock-star stature of the conductor Toscanini and the first time he heard the Beatles' harmonies.
Hear an interview with Randy Newman on All Things Considered.
Randy Newman Plays With 'Harps and Angels'
Hear An Intimate Performance, Recorded Live At Largo In Los Angeles
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Advisory: Language not suitable for all ages.
Pamela SpringsteenRandy Newman performed at the Largo in Los Angeles on July 23.
Randy Newman Speaks
Set List
"Harps and Angels"
"Losing You"
"Laugh and Be Happy"
"A Few Words in Defense of This Country"
"A Piece of the Pie"
"Easy Street"
"Korean Parents"
"Only a Girl"
"Pot Holes"
"Feels Like Home"
"You Can Leave Your Hat On" (from 'Sail Away')
"Louisiana 1927" (from 'Good Old Boys')
"The World Isn't Fair" (from 'Bad Love')
"I Love L.A." (from 'Trouble in Paradise')
August 5, 2008 - The program I host now — Day to Day — goes out at 9 in the morning from Los Angeles. I normally get up several hours earlier to do interviews and prepare. My social life at night has shrunk to zero. Then I get this email: How about an evening with Randy Newman? NPR Music is recording a performance at a small theater in my city, and they ask if I can be there to introduce him and thank him on behalf of NPR?
Well... okay. (My actual e-response: "YESYESYESYES.")
We get there in time for a quick meal at an Asian cafe across the street. Holy moly, there's Randy Newman at a long table with his band, like a casual group of friends about to drop by a performance, not give one. They eat light fare and leave 20 minutes before curtain. Backstage in the dressing-room area, he's changing from a cotton T-shirt to a silk Hawaiian. The chit-chat, too, is California casual.
Then the stage manager gives the signal, and I go out to say hello to a crowd of 200 or so people who are either Randy Newman fanatics or know him well enough to get invited to this. I take a seat in the theater and settle back. I'd read the lyric sheet in preparation for this moment. I couldn't see how any of it would work — the language on the page barely made sense. But these aren't words to read. This is music; this is Randy Newman, sometimes my favorite songwriter of my lifetime. And this is him telling stories about his family between the songs, laughing with the band, easy, warm, intimate. Listen and enjoy.
Interviews
The collected wisdom of Randy as revealed by years and years of interviews.
The Art Show: I Am, Unfortunately, Randy Newman
- Randy Newman is a lifelong hero of journalist Jon Ronson. In this intimate profile, Newman takes Ronson to his Bel Air home, plays some original songs, and muses on his inexplicable lack of popularity.
- Randy chats with WXIA's Jay Watson about music, film, politics, and Southern hospitality!
- Hundreds of songs have been written about New Orleans and Louisiana. One that's been played frequently in recent days has a special poignancy. Singer-songwriter Randy Newman talks about his song, "Louisiana 1927."
- Singer and songwriting legend Randy Newman spent most of the 1990s composing film scores like “Toy Story” and “Monsters, Inc.” But he became famous much earlier for writing dark and satirical songs about the lives of misfits, outcasts, and con-men. Today, the multifaceted master of irony joins John Schaefer to look back on his busy career.
- Jon Garelick reports on Randy's talk at Harvard.
- Oscar-winning singer and songwriter Randy Newman speaks to Dave Beck about his latest release, on Seattle's "The Beat."
- Larry Mantle talks with Randy Newman, on KPCC's "AirTalk." Includes call-in questions from fans. Scroll down to May 27.
- Randy Newman Never Fades
- Arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown talks with Newman about his life and work. Randy also answers questions from viewers.
- NPR's Bob Edwards interviews Randy about his long career and Songbook.
- Randy is interviewed on a quiz show before his Oscar win, and plays a funny game answering questions about Saints. Scroll down to: Round 2, Not My Job!
- It's the realization of a lifelong dream of Michael's to wake Randy Newman at 8:00 am (Pacific Time) to do an interview. Back in 1996 Randy adapted "Faust," added some songs, cast James Taylor as God, and took it on the road. Really, it was a good play.
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