I Am, Unfortunately, Randy Newman

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  • Опубліковано 14 лют 2013
  • 30 min. humorous British documentary on Randy Newman from The Art Show which used to be on BBC4, no longer available.
    Sadly, when I uploaded this, I didn't know much of anything about uploading to UA-cam. The copy I had from the BBC was HD, but I was UA-cam-stupid, and I was rather quickly shut-out of this account for a really long time. Now that I've regained access here and I'm fairly UA-cam-smart, I no longer have a copy. Doh!
    This one is 360p: vimeo.com/29103646
    Apparently, at that time, I didn't know WTF I was doing on Vimeo either. :(

КОМЕНТАРІ • 819

  • @gfbprojects1071
    @gfbprojects1071 Рік тому +16

    Randy Newman, Loudon Wainwright, Harry Nilson. I can say them all in one breath, laugh and cry, and feel nostalgia for places I have never been to, and times I have never known. Brilliant writers. Thank you.

    • @zakcorrigan5142
      @zakcorrigan5142 Місяць тому

      Whoever you are, I’ve never heard a better top 3. They are mine too. (I’d throw Dylan in there as well)

  • @PerryCallas
    @PerryCallas 4 роки тому +72

    Dear Randy, I hope you read this. Your music made my 69-year-old life better, and it saved me from despair when things looked shitty. I love you for that. Thank you.

  • @roberthenryeller
    @roberthenryeller 9 років тому +239

    Look up the list of people who have showed up to sing and play backup on Randy Newman's albums. He's a musicians' musician. A songwriters' songwriter. The people who know, know.

    • @richardrosemusic
      @richardrosemusic 4 роки тому +3

      exactly

    • @georgianwindow
      @georgianwindow 4 роки тому +2

      Yes he is that is it

    • @manni62
      @manni62 4 роки тому +1

      Yes. You are absolutely right.

    • @gholcombvideos
      @gholcombvideos 3 роки тому +4

      GREAT GREAT. His is as good a songwriter as there has ever been ! Feel sorry for anyone that has forgotten.

    • @andrina118
      @andrina118 2 роки тому

      Voiceover by the great Jon Ronson who wrote "The Men Who Stare At Goats" among other things.

  • @fewerbeansplease
    @fewerbeansplease 3 роки тому +9

    Anyone who could write Birmingham, Dayton Ohio 1903 and I Think It's Going to Rain Today is unquestionably a genius. Thanks so much Randy Newman...

  • @aburrage7697
    @aburrage7697 8 років тому +101

    I am an old woman and when I want to listen to good music I listen to Randy Newman.

    • @tskcs1083
      @tskcs1083 7 років тому +7

      A Burrage I am a young woman and when I want to listen to good music I listen to Randy Newman.

    • @aburrage7697
      @aburrage7697 7 років тому +8

      Tskcs10 You have excellent taste in music my dear

    • @QueerAndUnplugged
      @QueerAndUnplugged 7 років тому +4

      I am in my early 20s and when I want to listen to GREAT music, I listen to Randy Newman. Songs such as Old Man or He Gives Us All His Love take my breath away.

    • @tskcs1083
      @tskcs1083 7 років тому +1

      QueerAndUnplugged love!

    • @tskcs1083
      @tskcs1083 7 років тому +1

      A Burrage xxoo

  • @MtnLiner
    @MtnLiner 3 роки тому +136

    In the 80s I worked for a heating & air conditioning company. The owner was good friends with Randy’s father. Randy kept a grand piano in our warehouse and would write songs there... the warehouse supervisor was 5 foot tall on a good day. A real mean s.o.b. Nobody liked him. That was the same year that “short people” came out. True story.

    • @harmonium8198
      @harmonium8198 3 роки тому +30

      This story can't be completely true, since "Short People" was released in 1977.

    • @timetravelingoldman6839
      @timetravelingoldman6839 2 роки тому

      Prove it

    • @lalaniathielen8917
      @lalaniathielen8917 Рік тому

      Write On!
      Lalania Middletown,CT

    • @squinkque
      @squinkque Рік тому +2

      I was 12 when that song came out and I thought everyone knew it was a joke but apparently there's a lot of people that didn't think it was funny.

    • @lisadenson8814
      @lisadenson8814 Рік тому +4

      @@squinkque , my mom hated that song! She was 5’2. I’m also 5’2 and I loved it. I used to sing it to my mom as a joke. 😂

  • @Peter08852
    @Peter08852 6 років тому +11

    Been following him for over 40 years. He is a genius and one of our greatest songwriters and composers. I hope he lives forever.

  • @jazzheadgmail2490
    @jazzheadgmail2490 10 років тому +96

    I can't believe some of the comments here. Obviously these people have no idea who Randy Newman is. They may think they do, but if you think he's really feeling unappreciated, he's self absorbed, etc....get a clue. The man's work is genius. His writing and orchestrations will live on long after he's gone. One of the nicest and genuinely funny guys you'll ever meet. And talent?? Don't get me started. The movie scores alone are phenomenal, not to mention his pop song work. I suggest that anyone that considers dissing Randy get at least some rudimentary musical education before doing so. Maybe then you'll start to appreciate what this man has brought to the world. I watch for anything new by Randy, because it's some of the most well produced, well written, and witty material out there.

    • @aidensexton4230
      @aidensexton4230 3 роки тому

      Honestly I love his lyrics and instrumentals but I really don't like his voice

    • @shivadave3174
      @shivadave3174 3 роки тому

      @@aidensexton4230 Do you like mustard? Do tell! Spicy? Honey? Inquiring minds want to know…
      Just kidding, sorry!

    • @aidensexton4230
      @aidensexton4230 3 роки тому +3

      @@shivadave3174 asking a man his mustard preferences is a very personal question

    • @ShortFuseFighting
      @ShortFuseFighting 2 роки тому

      @@aidensexton4230 did you just assume your own gender, you insensitive bigot?

    • @aidensexton4230
      @aidensexton4230 2 роки тому

      @@ShortFuseFighting shit you're right!

  • @adynastyonline
    @adynastyonline 7 років тому +32

    Love Randy! When I was 8 years old my mother died and I didnt cry. But when I heard "You Have A Friend In Me" i cried like a baby. I was 11 years old and that song changed my life. I felt like my mother was speaking to me through that song.

    • @amiestafford
      @amiestafford 3 роки тому +8

      Bless you. That's beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

  • @oldgypsytap
    @oldgypsytap 2 роки тому +13

    This is a wonderful interview...thank you so much for allowing us to see and hear Randy in what appears to be his 'comfort zone'.. I have adored (literally) him and his music for most of his career. His score of "Ragtime" for example, is the most moving, heart-wrenching and exquisite composition I've ever heard. So much so. that just hearing the first bar brings tears and a sense of melancholy like no other music I've ever heard. I agree...he IS a genius. Thank you the video!

  • @c.a.savage5689
    @c.a.savage5689 Рік тому +4

    I think Randy Newman is doing 'jes fine. And like he said when he won the Oscar "I don't want your pity."
    The man's a national treasure that will only be fully appreciated and/or understood until after he's gone. He knows that.

  • @38bass
    @38bass 2 роки тому +12

    Randy is one of the very few best songwriters ever.
    I think he’s a genius and an incredible musician.

  • @BruceFQ
    @BruceFQ 10 років тому +17

    Randy Newman has WAY more than 80,000 fans. He has 80,000 fans in New Orleans alone. Randy is a special breed...and he should be cherished as an artist.

  • @OregonLover59
    @OregonLover59 9 років тому +8

    "Short People" kept him on my mind since I was a kid in the 1970s. I just rediscovered him last month, and I'm 55. He is a great artist!!

  • @TheThissalantine
    @TheThissalantine 10 років тому +31

    Randy Newman is the song writer other musicians aspire to be. His voice is pure, beautiful, fun, intelligent, playful, thoughtful, raunchy, human.

  • @meeeka
    @meeeka 10 років тому +37

    Newman's later lyrics are more spare than satire. He is so great. When I was in high school, he heard about me from a friend's father, and he sent me autographed copies of all his records to date. And a letter to me, the sweetest letter. I've loved him forever.

    • @neilmacpherson6583
      @neilmacpherson6583 4 роки тому +1

      Be good to hear more about this...

    • @jimdavis8391
      @jimdavis8391 3 роки тому

      @@neilmacpherson6583 I think you'll be disappointed.

    • @chriscutty9172
      @chriscutty9172 2 роки тому +1

      It's only cuz you where the star of David

    • @davidscandiffio314
      @davidscandiffio314 2 роки тому

      Ooo this stories about yoouuuu??!?!? Fantastic!!!! Way more interesting than Randy Newman

    • @beverlyaiglai7052
      @beverlyaiglai7052 8 місяців тому

      Lucky!

  • @johnmulrenan
    @johnmulrenan 8 років тому +9

    I am a musician in NJ. I make a humble living at it. I have been a fanatic for Randy since I heard "He Gives Us All His Love" in a movie with Dick Van Dyck. I ran out and bought all the available albums the next day. Was totally blown away. I now perform a lot of his songs in my act. I don't care if the general public doesn't know some of them.
    Years ago, I was in the Stone Pony in Asbury Park NJ playing with my band "Lord Gunner" when Bruce Springsteen sat in with us, one of many times he did that. I went up to Bruce as we came off the stage and asked him what he thought of the song "My life Is Good" which had just been released a few days before since it referenced him by name. To my great surprise the normally taciturn Bruce flipped out on me and started yelling."What do you care what I think about that song" etc. I was amazed by his reaction. I think Randy might be a little envious of Bruce's commercial success, but could Bruce be a little uneasy about Randy's incredible talent and musicianship? The depth of his harmonic structures? The layers of irony in his lyrics? I don't know. It was an odd experience.

  • @yafanna3
    @yafanna3 10 років тому +22

    For the record, I love Randy Newman's voice and his songs.

  • @jaredmiles9950
    @jaredmiles9950 9 років тому +5

    I recently saw a skit on "Mad TV" where they joked about Randy Newman composing the new Star Wars film. And I think it is crazy like a fox. See the best thing about Randy's stuff is that he can write about anything. His poems and story's that get interwoven throughout the collection of his lifetime of songs, At least the stuff he felt were good enough for public consumption. shows how he interweaves, cleaver satire with depth and and ability to get right down to the crust of it. But always makes you feel a deep emotional connection. I feel it would be a great challenge for Randy Newman and yet ever so appealing to a large group of new potential fans. If he indeed pulled of a song for the Star Wars films. I think he could do it! I love your stuff Randy Newman. I think you deserve the new growth in the market and many more fans!

  • @kpunkt.klaviermusik
    @kpunkt.klaviermusik 7 років тому +28

    It's the combination of the sarcastic lyrics, the music and his special way of singing and playing what make him one of the most genious artists of our time.

    • @tskcs1083
      @tskcs1083 7 років тому +2

      kpunkt klaviermusik exactly. And even funnier, not so many pick up (at least completely) on the sarcasm :)

    • @pamharrison8348
      @pamharrison8348 Рік тому

      And the dripping emotion..

  • @trevorvalentinian
    @trevorvalentinian 11 років тому +18

    British humor really fits Randy. Loved this.

  • @irontown
    @irontown 4 роки тому +6

    I have been making a living from writing songs all my working life and I can say Randy Newman is the the greatest song writer by far

  • @marijecornelissen5045
    @marijecornelissen5045 5 років тому +2

    Randy Newman is my hero. For a long time as a little girl I thought he sang Marie just for me, because my mum said so. Loved it. And God, how I loved God's Song. Spot on. And cried for Simon and his dancing bear. And sang with my kids to the sound track of The Princess and the Frog. Randy soundtracks my life, as he does many people's. How horrid to hear that he thinks he's not popular. He should be so proud of what he's achieved.

  • @ohrabbits
    @ohrabbits 6 років тому +33

    I love Randy Newman. His problem is his songs are too damn good! He's too smart. A genius. It doesn't pay. :-D

  • @rontalley2
    @rontalley2 8 років тому +65

    I AM one of those eighty thousand. Have every album he ever released.
    Ron

    • @MrWadsox
      @MrWadsox 8 років тому +12

      +Ron Talley He is a genius and deserves more recognition.

    • @hartleyndorsett
      @hartleyndorsett 6 років тому +2

      good man that man

    • @isitrealgood
      @isitrealgood 3 роки тому

      I might be starting late, but I might be joining you. Have to build the ranks up if it ever dips below 80k again.

  • @jeffginn5880
    @jeffginn5880 10 років тому +7

    I have every single song Randy has ever written. He played an important role in my getting into film… not because I knew him then, but because he opened my mind. He got into film the same time I did. Listen to his early music before the film biz "redirected" his genius.

  • @henryVIIIification
    @henryVIIIification 11 років тому +4

    This is too good. Now I know why I like Randy Newman. He sings of truths with a special kind of satire that some would laugh at or despise. But then again some of us lived that same life of trying to fit in a society that just wouldn't quite accept us. But we keep trying to put this square peg in that round hole. So good luck to all you fellow Newman fans. Keep pounding. The hold will either get the appropriate indentions, the peg will round out or the whole thing will break. Peace.

  • @MrCook1227
    @MrCook1227 10 років тому +6

    Randy Newman hasn't been the most popular singer/songwriter, but he has a strong fan base and almost all of us would be delighted to have had his success. I've loved him since I first heard "12 Songs". I love the songs he writes. He's a genius. And he writes the sort of cerebral songs I particularly like. It's interesting that one of my other favorite songwriters is Loudon Wainwright III. Many of you have never heard of him, but he's great too. It's not always an AM world. But this video tells the story as if Randy is a failure. He's a success.

  • @themacocko6311
    @themacocko6311 7 років тому +6

    Randy is beyond amazing. He is a genius.

  • @rr7firefly
    @rr7firefly 8 років тому +18

    It's refreshing to hear a reporter who eschews ironic posturing to get to the essence of good original songwriting. Randy Newman is a testament to persistence in the face of public ignorance and devotion to spoon-fed pop consumerism.

  • @nelsonlugo45
    @nelsonlugo45 7 років тому +33

    One of the greatest traits this genius has always possessed is that he has NEVER given a dry fuck what anyone thinks about what he has to say or how he says it. Make no mistake, he may have peers and an equal here and there, but there is none greater.

    • @katiezee2
      @katiezee2 7 років тому

      Still underappreciated as we see, but I've been on board since before even hearing him sing.! when someone gave me the album [Harry] Nilsson Sings Newman (1970) & been a fan ever since !

    • @nelsonlugo45
      @nelsonlugo45 7 років тому +1

      Kate Quinn yes, Kate.. yes! we're definitely on the same wavelength!

    • @katiezee2
      @katiezee2 7 років тому

      By the way that album cover is great, showing Harry driving a vintage car with Randy in the backseat, clever

    • @nelsonlugo45
      @nelsonlugo45 7 років тому +1

      Kate Quinn absolutely. I have 3 copies of that album, all in pristine condition... the real goof is that no one's driving because it's a rusting abandoned car, yet dignified and still a beautiful work of art.

    • @katiezee2
      @katiezee2 7 років тому +1

      One of the things I love about RN's talent is his capture of the feel of time & place--first to mind is the intro to Louisiana 1927. then .Marie .Then you have the Ragtime (film) theme. & there's a ragtime number, etc. I bought that soundtrack & it's here on YT now

  • @gofindyourmusic
    @gofindyourmusic 10 років тому +18

    He is a talent that is so subtle and unique it defies pretenses related to the history of Music and Show Biz fluff .

  • @robinsierra1029
    @robinsierra1029 11 місяців тому +1

    Writing this 10 years later. Randy Newman has written so many wonderful songs for so many films. I hope he got royalties for all of them.

  • @edwardmulholland7912
    @edwardmulholland7912 2 роки тому +4

    I’ve just been getting into Randy’s music though the “Nilsson Sings Newman” album - a masterpiece of songwriting/singing/piano playing.
    Randy Newman really is a genius. I’m going to go through his whole catalogue starting with his first album which I’ve just started listening to.
    A great artist.

  • @adeleroof9022
    @adeleroof9022 5 місяців тому

    I adore Randy Newman's songs. One of my favorite songs that anyone has ever written is "I Think It's Gonna Rain Today." His sense of humor is such a turn on!

  • @georgerenton965
    @georgerenton965 2 роки тому +2

    How can you not love this guy ! He oozes cool.

  • @drtmuir
    @drtmuir 6 років тому +8

    Randy's history with motor vehicles is an epic in itself.

  • @zeitgeistyreport
    @zeitgeistyreport 8 років тому +192

    He has one academy award, three emmys, six Grammies, he's in the rock and roll hall of fame, songwriter's hall of fame.... has written songs which other artists have had major hits with,... and has had solid and at times great sales throughout his career, he's been constantly referenced by other artists as one of the greatet songwriters of all time, and has influenced MANY musicians.... so how exactly would you classify him as 'unpopular'?

    • @josephgent3196
      @josephgent3196 5 років тому +33

      "he's been constantly referenced by other artists as one of the greatest songwriters of all time" Yes, even by Bob Dylan.
      "To me, someone who writes really good songs is Randy Newman. There’s a lot of people who write good songs. As songs. Now Randy might not go out on stage and knock you out, or knock your socks off. And he’s not going to get people thrilled in the front row. He ain’t gonna do that. But he’s gonna write a better song than most people who can do it.
      You know, he’s got that down to an art. Now Randy knows music. He knows music But it doesn’t get any better than “Louisiana” or “Cross Charleston Bay” [“Sail Away”]. It doesn’t get any better than that. It’s like a classically heroic anthem theme. He did it. There’s quite a few people who did it. Not that many people in Randy’s class" -Bob Dylan

    • @thinkerly1
      @thinkerly1 5 років тому +4

      Yes, and Linda Ronstadt, with whom he fell in love and for whom he wrote the song, "Llinda", is not.

    • @Bronco541
      @Bronco541 5 років тому +18

      he's not popular by stupid people standards. Stupid people standards are as follows:
      1-to be "good" or "popular" you must be: attractive; good body, face, dress somewhat normally, dress is important.
      2- Press and presentation is very important. Half of it is in there.
      3- have an ordinary singing voice that's good,
      4- have to already have a fan base. Stupid people can't like something unless someone else already likes it.
      5-cannot be too different or strange. Stupid people can't get used to new things easily.
      6- cannot be thought provoking. Stupid people don't like to think; hence they don't like music or any form of entertainment that challenges their views.
      Randy Newman (and those like him, Bob Dylan, etc) doesn't meet most of that criteria. But if you're reading this; and watching this video you're probably smart enough to know what really matters most, don't you. ;)

    • @MrPernell27
      @MrPernell27 4 роки тому +19

      You seem to not understand the difference between critical acclaim and popularity. He’s not ‘popular’ because he can walk down the street in broad daylight and not be noticed. He probably can;t sell out a 3,000 seat arena. I’ve seem him live 3 times and at each show there was no more than maybe 1,500 people. Popular is selling out stadiums and people noticing you when you[the walking the street. Furthermore, Randy New,an himself said he’s not popular

    • @lamper2
      @lamper2 4 роки тому +4

      go to the mall ask every person who he is- THAT'S why he's unpopular!

  • @TWDay-sy6nq
    @TWDay-sy6nq Рік тому +1

    I "discovered" Randy's music on those 60s and early 70s Warner Bros' loss leader records, like Record Show. I have been a fan since. This was a terrific interview.

  • @jerrykyle2372
    @jerrykyle2372 11 років тому +3

    He will be famous long after he is gone in my opinion. My favourite song is 'Marie'. It slides into my body like a knife thro butter and just wrenches strings out of my heart!

  • @edwardbaker8679
    @edwardbaker8679 3 роки тому +3

    I will always remember my son’s graduation from USC’s School of Music in 2007. The Commencement speaker was a graduate of crosstown rival, UCLA. Randy Newman graciously signed the program and posed for a few pictures. Randy, “We Love L. A.!” Fight On! ✌️

  • @CaminoAir
    @CaminoAir 9 років тому +18

    I saw Newman play live & solo in Dublin, Ireland in the early 1990's. Very talented man and it's surprising given his earlier satirical songs that he'd be so associated with Pixar. If anyone thinks 'Short People' isn't ironic then I don't know what to say to them.

    • @eleniglinia2798
      @eleniglinia2798 Рік тому +1

      Exactly. Less and less people are inquiring what the lyrics meaning to say

  • @mirapeerance
    @mirapeerance 7 років тому +4

    Loved him from the first time I heard him. Beautiful Mind!

  • @crankyerma
    @crankyerma 9 років тому +13

    The "Sail Away" record is one of the bes tLPs the 20th Century coughed up. It's perfect in its own way. So is Randy.

    • @katiezee2
      @katiezee2 5 років тому +3

      ..'in America you get food to eat, don't have to run through the jungle and scuff up your feet'... I think most people didn't realize the song was about slavery, told in an unusual way. And 'Political Science' - a masterpiece about the international weapons threat, while being slyly funny too... who else could do that !

  • @cletuswombat2694
    @cletuswombat2694 10 років тому +1

    I was fortunate to see Randy twice in The Netherlands.. I had two wonderful evenings .. I am a big big fan.. He coincidentally is also the artist of which I know the most songs by heart.

  • @stephengoh5456
    @stephengoh5456 Рік тому +2

    I first came across Randy's songs from 'Toy Story' and I just love them so much. He's a genius composer and singer!

  • @henrythemolineguy
    @henrythemolineguy 4 роки тому +3

    Randy Newman is an American treasure and is genius with song writing along with Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Dave Grohl and Paul McCartney just to name a few. LOVE THIS GUY!!!

  • @xfightclub44x
    @xfightclub44x 8 років тому +85

    I love the irony in the fact that this video has almost exactly 200,000 views.

    • @snoopwolf1
      @snoopwolf1 8 років тому +4

      +Chris Gutierrez Yes, ironic, and add me one as one more Fan. I'm sure he has more fans after the song at the end of the Monk series too. Love that song...

    • @BuckeyeBoyz
      @BuckeyeBoyz 3 роки тому

      Yeh ... But now we've all watched it twice.

    • @teodelfuego
      @teodelfuego 3 роки тому +1

      I think you’re off. 2.4k means 2,400.

    • @stevenjamessnyder1940
      @stevenjamessnyder1940 3 роки тому

      417k views, 2.4k likes, 111 dislikes

  • @DearOlDutyBoy
    @DearOlDutyBoy 10 років тому +4

    I'm a recent fan of his, I watched Toy Story a long time ago, but I didn't know it was Randy, so about a month ago, I heard Short People, then a lot of his more romantic songs. He's really awesome.

  • @krollpeter
    @krollpeter 6 років тому +1

    The most intelligent people have the least number of friends, Mr. Newman.
    "I miss you", "In Germany before the War" . . . What simple yet moving lyrics. I am German and I will teach my son how to appreciate these.
    My heartfelt Thank You for your art.

  • @daviswall3319
    @daviswall3319 2 роки тому +1

    I love love love Randy Newman. My mom is a Newman born in NO and a pianist. He is genius no doubt

  • @tanukibrahma
    @tanukibrahma 5 місяців тому

    Genius or not, Randy Newman‘s songs have meant a great deal to me since the early 1970s. I consider him to be a national treasure, and one of America’s great songwriters.

  • @Anticrystal88
    @Anticrystal88 11 років тому +5

    Newman is a satirist, he's always going to pull our collective chains. It's part of his charm. But I think of him as the ultimate American composer. His riffs are so poignantly American, sweet and satisfying, and yet overlaid with sarcasm ... this is what we are. I love this man.

  • @davidshepherdgrossman
    @davidshepherdgrossman 5 років тому +7

    I love Randy Newman. As a writer myself he opened up avenues of perspective that only maybe David Byrne has come close to. Randy has more than intellect in his songs. He has heart.

  • @Lofi.z34
    @Lofi.z34 10 років тому +58

    This man writes his music with soul. But most of society doesn't like things with soul.

    • @mjs3764
      @mjs3764 4 роки тому +2

      That's because the music industry is releasing songs with the lowest common denominator in mind. They need a pretty face to shake their asses in order to sell their sh*t.

    • @puertoriconnect4611
      @puertoriconnect4611 4 роки тому +1

      SwaffyX
      I mean yeah pop music isn’t great but I think the main thing keeping people from appreciating Randy is his singing voice.
      It’s really goofy. That’s why when you see him mentioned in mainstream it’s usually someone doing an impression of how he sings and extending that singing voice into his speaking voice.

    • @matguimond92
      @matguimond92 4 роки тому

      @@mjs3764 *Sex sells.*
      They're in the business for making money not making art lmao. If they cared about art they'd be broke bums on the streets of San Francisco.

    • @mjs3764
      @mjs3764 4 роки тому

      @@puertoriconnect4611 Really? How do explain Bob Dylan and Geddy Lee of Rush? I have been listening to people say for years how much they hate their voices, yet both are incredibly successful and have earned their way into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

    • @mjs3764
      @mjs3764 4 роки тому

      @@matguimond92 You can sell talent or you can sell tits. While I like tits, I prefer talent. 😁

  • @rikkdiik4455
    @rikkdiik4455 3 роки тому +1

    This fine piece on the great Randy Newman was put together in KidPIx.

  • @Rascalndear1
    @Rascalndear1 9 років тому +4

    I've loved his stuff since about 1972... Thanks, dude!

  • @chipdevon8414
    @chipdevon8414 10 років тому +1

    After watching this video ive grown much appreciation for the spontaneity and honesty of observation he brings to the table...

  • @johndance1362
    @johndance1362 2 роки тому +2

    Jon, thanks for this. I was unaware of you and your talent until now. I will be checking out your available work. I like your style!😺

  • @benwarner5713
    @benwarner5713 8 років тому +6

    This is a brilliant film. The narrator is right. He's a genius.

  • @austenj4539
    @austenj4539 4 роки тому +2

    My lovely Dad introduced me to Randy Newman - a BBC performance from Slough!
    Randy gave an apology that Paul Simon couldn't make it to the show!
    I love, gorge, adore Randy's music and lyrics. He is either pathetic or prophetic.

    • @katiezee2
      @katiezee2 4 роки тому

      Paul Simon was on SNL and sang 'Marie' . .He said he that he wished he had written the song, that he was jealous of Randy's talent. High praise.

  • @themiepchannel6609
    @themiepchannel6609 27 днів тому

    He's one of my top six favorite male musicians and I enjoyed this video a great deal.

  • @timpasio3055
    @timpasio3055 3 роки тому +1

    I'm a lyric writer for our band and other acts as we are more popular in Europe. I've always related to Randy Newman and other writers like him. I'm proud to not be popular at the cost of honesty. If wish I had as much talent in my whole body as Randy has in the tip of his pinky, lol!!
    Writers like him and Ian Hunter are So brilliant people just don't get them. They take them at face value which is a reflection of their own ignorance of the art of writing. Being "Understood," is overrated and safe. I would hate to be that...common a thinker. Genius like his is seldom appreciated and Randy Newman is that. A genius. I strive to make every song as great as it can be guys like the Ozzy, Dios, and Alice Coopers of this world who don't give a shit about playing it safe. I thank Randy to thank for that.

  • @RaysTrack
    @RaysTrack Місяць тому

    The first Randy song I heard was Alan price's cover of Simon Smith ... Never learned it was Randy's until years later. Next, I had to pull the car over to listen to Dusty singing I Think It's Going To Rain Today. Years later, the staff in a store I managed really enjoyed the background tape playing Short People (I'm 5'4") - we all laughed. First album I bought was Baby Days, produced by the excellent Mark Knopfler. Now I play Simon Smith and Louisiana 1927on my guitar with other old codgers in the pub. Great songs, great chords, great man.

  • @GriffGriffith
    @GriffGriffith 4 роки тому +1

    What will survive 100 years from now. Randy Newman's songbook.

  • @ProfilesOnDVD
    @ProfilesOnDVD 10 років тому +34

    I think it's probably more accurate to say he's misunderstood than simply 'he's unpopular'. People, most people, don't get that his lyrics are about showing us who the story-teller is...not about the story itself. And this, in my opinion, is an ingenious device at getting into the various characters that make up the collective human psyche...flawed, innocent in spite of itself, ignorant, fumbly, nerdy and sometimes just psycho.
    Yeah. I agree. I think Randy is one of the greatest musician ever...because he has a unique and probing interest in the human condition...and inserts that into his music.

    • @brucehogan6132
      @brucehogan6132 2 роки тому

      You've hit the nail on the head Michael. Randy inhabits a character and composes songs from that character's perspective. That's what makes him unique. Sorry the response is eight years late!

  • @dvdbill29141
    @dvdbill29141 7 років тому +2

    The first time I heard Randy Newman I was blown away by his songs especially Lets Drop The Big One Now and Short People, so true to life.

    • @petermcculloch4933
      @petermcculloch4933 Рік тому

      As an Australian I loved his, "don't want to hurt no kangaroos" line, in Let's Drop The Big One Now.

    • @dvdbill29141
      @dvdbill29141 Рік тому

      @@petermcculloch4933 Hi Peter Thanks for your comments. Lets drop the big one now should be played to Putin, the bastard might just get it! Dave Billman

  • @craiglevin3009
    @craiglevin3009 11 років тому +1

    I have been a fan for 40 years, first saw him on the Dick Cavett show singing Political Science. I have been to a dozen concerts, thanks for the documentary- enjoyed every minute of it.

  • @cheryllane8743
    @cheryllane8743 7 місяців тому

    I adore this guy...speaks what he feels!, ,❤️🎶❤️

  • @reallivemark
    @reallivemark 7 років тому +4

    i'm 17 years old rn. my favorite animated movie is toy story. all my life i have been listening to randy newman without even knowing. i'm probably the only person my age that loves randy newman

    • @rachelcosgrove2048
      @rachelcosgrove2048 4 роки тому

      You're probably right! With that stated, I assume you're probably a fairly intelligent young man. Two years after leaving this comment, I'm curious what you're up too now and what other interesting and/or genius people, musicians or other, have you found that you like?

  • @robinwalls959
    @robinwalls959 10 років тому +5

    He has FANS! fans that don't even know his name but if you play his song you got a friend in me in a class room any where every kid in that room will recognize his voice

  • @garyengler165
    @garyengler165 7 років тому +2

    Newman is our Aaron Copland of popular song. He is the only song composer who I can listen to and laugh, then sneer, laugh again - only to find my eyes tearing up in the next moment. Why has he never achieved mass popularity? Because his songs are too sublime for the masses. Pixar be damned. Why don't they produce an animated version of Faust?! (I can hear Randy laughing right now)

  • @ag_streak3209
    @ag_streak3209 5 років тому +1

    "Is there anyone else out there that shares this unique cocktail of personality flaws?" That's brilliant! Every teenage misfit's lament! Bravo, Jon Ronson!

  • @Carol6ize
    @Carol6ize 10 років тому +9

    A great, unappreciated songwriter.

  • @caseyleleivre7968
    @caseyleleivre7968 4 роки тому +1

    Randy Newman is a genuine comic genius - glad I found this documentary

  • @alandrobnak
    @alandrobnak 8 місяців тому +1

    His work stands alone in its genius. Few have the balls to write lyrics which are soo pointed to the soul. You make me laugh with nearly every tune and your southern drawl drives the joke ever deeper. Don't stop, don't ever stop.

  • @margimackowski-seif9305
    @margimackowski-seif9305 7 років тому +6

    This breaks my heart - that he feels so alone. He is, what so many artists find themselves to be, at a stage where commercial art seems to swallow up his talent. And this is not a place that he, as an artist, wants to be. I would be really shocked if he doesn't have a secret portfolio of unpublished music that, for one reason or another, he has not let anyone hear. Just like so many artists, he feels misunderstood ( and possibly he was). I think that he was one of the first Pandoras of the "snowflakes" that we see today. Sadly, he allowed them to bully him into a corner rather than using his magnificent talent for sarcasm by thumbing his nose at them and writing something about them. But, hey!, it's not over yet. The best may be yet to come. I certainly hope so.

  • @thehipi
    @thehipi 7 років тому

    Outstanding film, thank you so much for posting!

  • @TheCarmarla
    @TheCarmarla 4 роки тому

    Thank you for uploading. Fascinating combination of Jon Ronson and Randy Newman.

  • @nancyconway4026
    @nancyconway4026 5 років тому +2

    Many years ago, when I first heard Randy Newman's song "In Germany Before the War" I immediately saw in my head the old Peter Lorre film "M." Years later, it was cool to hear him say, in an interview, that he had written the song with that film in mind. Almost creepy. Like the film. And the song. Perfection.

  • @james_daniels
    @james_daniels 8 років тому +1

    I wasn't a huge fan of randy Newman but I always liked him. I was only five when toy story came out and that song stayed with me forever in my heart. He may not have an amazing voice but he can write and compose nice pop rythems. He should be happy to be him. Doesn't matter how famous you are. He wrote memorable songs that people will always remember. He can be proud to know his songs were the openings for many famous shows and movies.

    • @MisterTMH
      @MisterTMH 8 років тому +2

      He'd be willing to write a song sending you up. "Nice pop rhythms" are an anathema to him. It pays the bills but listen to the "Good old boys" LP for an idea of his emotional range . He is better at Satire, sarcasm and Irony than Zappa was most of the time.

  • @DJbassrevolution
    @DJbassrevolution 10 років тому +2

    I don't know much about Randy Newman but his voice is awesome so he's awesome.

  • @johndance1362
    @johndance1362 2 роки тому +1

    Thanks for all your efforts in posting this! I'm such a fan of him. Great work on your part. I quite enjoyed this!😹

  • @blackheartlewis
    @blackheartlewis 11 років тому

    Dude you are a hero,Ive been looking for this since it was first shown,I think it was late 2003,10 years of searching has finally paid off.Im the happiest of the 80 000 !!!

  • @fredhoupt4078
    @fredhoupt4078 11 років тому +13

    Randy is one of the greatest living composers, bar none. He excels in pop, movie soundtracks and his own brand of quirky, individual, unique story telling that evokes a way of communicating that has all been destroyed by the post-Much Music scene. A musical satirist who is without equal. Sadly, so few people have enough education and insight to appreciate how satire works. So, Randy's best is inexplicable to them. Not to me. I love his work, always have. Awakenings is my fave s.t.

  • @MrWadsox
    @MrWadsox 8 років тому +25

    That album with Randy in Kiss style makeup is one of his best in my opinion. Its named "Born Again" and he has a song on it called "I Love that E.L.O." where he parodies the Electric Light Orchestra. Its obvious that he hated them as much as I did. I love Randy Newman. He's funny as hell as well as being a great songwriter.

    • @MrTayloreh
      @MrTayloreh 8 років тому

      Called 'Story Of A Rock & Roll Band' :)

    • @MrWadsox
      @MrWadsox 8 років тому +1

      MrTayloreh You're right. I could have researched it but was too lazy. Anyway, Randy did an effective job of showing how cheezy their music was.

    • @gannetsarewe
      @gannetsarewe 7 років тому +3

      Jeff Lynne plays on Land of Dreams which comes after Born Again.

    • @MatthewJohnson-zx9zs
      @MatthewJohnson-zx9zs 6 років тому +8

      Jeff and Randy have worked together - so clearly it's not a matter of "hating" ELO music. Randy hasn't enjoyed the huge commercial success and jokes that he would like to sell more albums but just doesn't have commercial instincts. ELO's music was gloriously over the top - operatic bits, the coda on Mr Blue Sky. Randy pokes fun at the faux symphonic elements. ELO wasn't everyone's cup of tea. Neither is Randy. Yet I am big fans of both.

    • @dogbreath34
      @dogbreath34 6 років тому +5

      I like ELO AND Randy Newman. Randy Newman and ELO have obviously more than a few connections with so called serious orchestral music. I don't think Newman hates ELO, he was just having a little fun at their expense. Lighten up.

  • @radar8615
    @radar8615 10 років тому +2

    Excellent piece! I am one of the few 200,000 that greatly appreciates Randy Newman. He is a musical genius. Has anyone seen me lately?

  • @Significan1
    @Significan1 10 років тому +1

    I have loved Randy Newman since the 70's. Saw him in Columbus Ohio once, he was hilarious. I appreciate this documentary as an opportunity to see some more of him. I don't think I've ever bought an album of his. I do love his work, think he's funny and profound and I don't expect him to be able to judge his effect on the world. Who can.

  • @BrettBorovic
    @BrettBorovic 6 років тому +4

    Love Randy's reaction and smile forming at 23:45

  • @guitar26491
    @guitar26491 10 років тому

    I love Randy Newman and know all his songs, and can play them on guitar better than anyone in the world, when I discovered his songs I've been a fan since, my dream is to meet him and show him how well I know music, and would love for him to critic my ability and help me with a career in music..

  • @JeffryHeise
    @JeffryHeise 5 днів тому

    The same man wrote "Sail Away," the scores to RAGTIME, THE NATURAL and "When She Loved Me" just has to be a musical genius, and that incredible lineage of musicians....

  • @alexsnyder7272
    @alexsnyder7272 8 років тому

    when first heard his song you've got a friend in me and I will go sailing no more I fell in love with Randy Newman

  • @robinbroad8760
    @robinbroad8760 10 років тому +2

    When I first heard "Texas girl at her Fathers funeral, I knew it was hitting important buttons, Now I realise it was triggering latent grief I as able to finaly locate and work through. I can only thank him.

  • @DaVeganZombie
    @DaVeganZombie 10 років тому +21

    "It's a jungle out there DOOO DEE DEE DOO DOO."
    -Achievement Hunter.

    • @sunriseodeath110
      @sunriseodeath110 10 років тому +1

      That is the same reason I'm watching this video

    • @laminaisawesome
      @laminaisawesome 10 років тому

      SuNRiSe o DeaTH same here

    • @LilWatercup
      @LilWatercup 10 років тому

      I wondered how far down I would need to scroll before I found this comment XD

    • @piegunman
      @piegunman 7 років тому

      ?

    • @piegunman
      @piegunman 7 років тому

      I don't get did Gavin mention this somewhere

  • @davidpalmer7175
    @davidpalmer7175 5 місяців тому

    Randy Newman always was a F##KING GENIUS! No true artist paints a painting worrying if someone will like it... they paint to challenge and please themselves. Randy painted with notes and words.

  • @jannep17
    @jannep17 8 років тому +2

    Love Randy Newman's music. Have every note he has (officially) released.

  • @MrAdal206
    @MrAdal206 Рік тому +1

    The most unappreciated genius artist.

  • @brykmcginns
    @brykmcginns 7 років тому

    Jon Ronson interviews Randy Newman, match made in heaven. Thank you!!

  • @nicholasdolinger6745
    @nicholasdolinger6745 7 років тому +8

    Fortunately, I think his movie work has given him much of the recognition he deserves. "You've Got a Friend in Me" is far from a complete picture of Newman, but it's a start.

    • @katiezee2
      @katiezee2 7 років тому +1

      Way before that, early 80's, he did the soundtrack for Ragtime. .Perfection. He instinctively knows how to capture a sense & mood of a time & place, that and also the Louisiana flavors

  • @biotechy2k
    @biotechy2k 2 роки тому +1

    I came across Randy Newman when I went to live with my sister after being a ward of the state I read his lyrics and sang along to everyone of his songs even in primary school I had the comprehensive understanding that short people was telling the story of bigots and narrow minded and tunnel visioned people I'll say this I have a Fton on Newman on my smart phone and now I'm nearly 60 I want this played at my funeral but one thing I will freely admit He is a hell of a lot better singer than I am lol If I went busking people would pay me to shut the hell up The man is a legend