Randy Newman: legendary songwriter, Oscar nominee, more

Bullseye with Jesse Thorn : Randy Newman: legendary songwriter, Oscar nominee, more Image
Bullseye with Jesse Thorn : Randy Newman: legendary songwriter, Oscar nominee, more Image

Randy Newman: legendary songwriter, Oscar nominee, more

WBEZ brings you fact-based news and information. Sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date on the stories that matter.
We’re revisiting our conversation with the great Randy Newman. He’s just been nominated for two Academy Awards, one for the score he composed for Noah Baumbach’s Marriage Story, and another for the original song he composed for Toy Story 4. It’s called “I Can’t Let You Throw Yourself Away.” Randy’s songbook is a part of the fabric of modern pop culture. He writes pop songs, catchy tunes that can perfectly encapsulate a touching film moment. But he also writes songs that come from a place of darkness. Randy talks about writing songs that tap into his feelings, being inspired to get into writing music for film by his three uncles and meeting Frank Sinatra. Plus, Randy ponders why a guy with seven Grammys hasn’t had more hits.