Singer -songwriter Randy Newman turns 69 today. Randy Newman was one of the great singer-songwriters of the 1970’s. He was known for his satire. He had one hit song-“Short People” which was a fluke hit in 1977- when it reached #2 on the pop charts. He never came close to another hit again. In recent times he’s been most known for his film scores. Newman is a smart ass. That comes through in his music. He is a unique songwriter.

I was 16 when I first heard Newman. I heard “Short People” and it was so different that I was attracted to it. I went out and bought “Little Criminals” loved the album and then got Newman’s back catalog. He hasn’t released that many albums, most of his releases were in the 1970’s-early 80’s. My favourite Newman album is “Good Old Boys’  I also love “Sail Away” essential buys.

Randy Newman had three uncles who were film composers- Alfred, Lionel and Emil Newman. Newman’s energies in the past couple decades have gone in that direction. Newman has been nominated for twelve Academy Awards, winning twice.