The Genius Behind So Many Amazing Hit Songs

Brilliance In Songwriting

I Am, Unfortunately, Randy Newman

Why Everyone Should Appreciate Mr. Newman's Genius

Channel 4's The Art Show Just 200,000 people worldwide buy Randy Newman records. Sometimes it's just 80,000. So why does this guy keep writing songs? Well, he has had a string of moderate hits, that later went on to become cultural classics. Icons of Americana and a wordsmith of ironic American / un-American lyrics. Was he a struggling lad? No. Did he grow up poor in a ghetto? No. Did he have a life of relative privilege and comfort in the world's wealthiest country? Yes. Did he have an in with the mainstream Hollywood culture of movies, music and the performing arts, thanks to his family connections? Yes. And for all that, he has crafted songs that speak to people who enjoy the sarcasm and cynical side of comedy songs. He has dared to cross the line of popularity songwriting and stray into the darker and more sinister side of songs that highlight the great juxtaposition of jovial tunes with bitter, sardonic words. If you have about 25 minutes ... watch the video, and you'll appreciate Randy Newman in a whole new light. Guaranteed. If not, you're probably one of those short people he wrote about in the biggest hit of his career, who never appreciated 'You Can Leave Your Hat On' until Tom Jones and Joe Cocker sang it in a higher register.