HARPS FOR HARPS’ SAKE

The new record is in the shops, but RANDY NEWMAN admits he has no excuses for his “ridiculous” output of three albums in 20 years. “Sorry I’m late,” he tells

When Randy Newman finally picked up an Oscar in 2002, after 15 previously unsuccessful nominations, the biggest cheers were not from the A-list audience in sharp tuxes, shimmering gowns and borrowed bling. His long-overdue recognition, courtesy of the Best Song award for If I Didn’t Have You, from the soundtrack of Monsters Inc, provoked overwhelming whoops from the orchestra pit, which he considers the greatest compliment of all.

“That’s what I wanted more than anything,” he says. “If ever I’ve had any sort of dream connected with music, it was that other musicians thought I was good. Having said that, I’ve learned over the years that musicians don’t always know what good is!”

Modesty and mirth in equal measure, welcome to the world of Randy Newman, a man who’s enjoyed three distinct careers in the music industry. In his youth, he squirreled himself away in an office block penning ditties for the pop stars of the day, only embarking on a second career as a singer of his own songs after becoming disillusioned with the interpretations of others.

Since the release of his self-titled debut in 1968, Newman has been synonymous with articulate, thought-provoking popular music – with a twist. Alongside Bob Dylan, Paul …

by Terry Staunton
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