Randy Newman is one of my favorite songwriters, as adept at breaking your heart with a meditation on loss as he is at riling you up with satirical commentary on the state of politics and society. Of course there’s also his impressive array of movie soundtracks, from “Toy Story” to “the Natural.”
Here he is singing one of his biggest “hits”, accompanied by Tom Petty, Jackson Browne and John Fogerty. You gotta love Fogerty’s fist pump when the Beach Boys are mentioned.
And here’s a taste of Newman’s serious side. Newman explains the powerful story behind the incredibly moving song “Losing You.”
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.