Randy Newman

USA, 1962–now

American songwriter and orchestral composer whose 'Sail Away' and 'Short People' use unreliable narrators and irony, and who has written extensively for film, including the Pixar features.

MusicRoots documents 3 artists who influenced Randy Newman and 1 artist Randy Newman influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Randy Newman?

• Ray Charles — Newman cited Ray Charles as his greatest influence growing up — 'I loved Charles' music to excess'.
• Fats Domino — The New Orleans piano R&B of Fats Domino is at the root of Newman's rolling keyboard style.
• George Gershwin — Gershwin's American songbook tradition underlies Newman's orchestral, ironic pop.

Which artists did Randy Newman influence?

• Harry Nilsson — Nilsson gave a whole album to Newman's songs in 1970, learning a writer's voice by singing nothing else.