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Randy Newman is a Actor, Scriptwriter and Sound American born on 28 november 1943 at Los Angeles (USA)

Randy Newman

Randy Newman
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Birth name Randall Stuart Newman
Nationality USA
Birth 28 november 1943 (80 years) at Los Angeles (USA)
Awards Annie Award

Randall Stuart "Randy" Newman (born November 28, 1943) is an American singer-songwriter, arranger, composer, and pianist who is known for his distinctive voice, mordant (and often satirical) pop songs and for film scores.

Since the 1980s, Newman has worked mostly as a film composer. His film scores include Ragtime, Awakenings, The Natural, Leatherheads, James and the Giant Peach, Meet the Parents, Cold Turkey, Seabiscuit and The Princess and the Frog. He has scored seven Disney-Pixar films: Toy Story, A Bug's Life, Toy Story 2, Monsters, Inc., Cars, Toy Story 3, and most recently, Monsters University.

Newman has been nominated for 20 Academy Awards, winning twice. He has also won three Emmys, six Grammy Awards, and the Governor's Award from the Recording Academy. Newman was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002. In 2007, he was inducted as a Disney Legend. Newman was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2013.

Biography

Les Newman : une famille de compositeurs
Randall Newman est né en 1943 à Los Angeles. Fils d'Adele (née Fox), secrétaire, et d'Irving George Newman, médecin, il passe la majeure partie de sa jeunesse à La Nouvelle-Orléans. Il acquiert ainsi un accent de sudiste et revient vivre à Los Angeles. Là-bas, il est diplômé de l'University High School et s'intéresse de près à la musique. Or, ce choix n'est pas anodin car sa famille baigne dans la musique depuis toujours. Trois de ses oncles paternels sont déjà de grands compositeurs pour Hollywood : Alfred Newman, en partie connu pour avoir signé le célèbre hymne de la 20th Century Fox, Lionel Newman, lauréat de l'Oscar de la meilleure musique de film en 1970 pour Hello, Dolly!, et Emil Newman, qui a conçu plus de 100 musiques de films entre les années 1930 et 1960. Suivront ensuite ses cousins Thomas et David, puis son neveu Joey, eux aussi compositeurs pour le cinéma d'animation.


Les débuts d'un parolier caustique
Il est reconnu comme compositeur et interprète de chansons très originales, parfois acides. Parmi les plus connues : "Sail Away", "Birmingham", "I Love L.A.", "Baltimore", "Louisiana 1927".

Il s’est fait connaître tout d’abord avec le groupe Harpers Bizarre (formé en 1963 et dissous en 1970), et leur succès de 1967 : "59th street bridge song", reprise de la chanson de Paul Simon "Feelin’ Groovy". Il fera ensuite une carrière solo, avec un premier album en 1968 "Randy Newman creates something new under the sun". Ce ne fut pas un succès commercial, mais de nombreux artistes ont repris ses chansons : Alan Price (pianiste du groupe anglais The Animals) , Judy Collins, Van Dyke Parks, the Everly Brothers, Dusty Springfield.

En 1970, Harry Nilsson a enregistré l’album "Nilsson Sings Newman", avec Newman au piano, qui fut apprécié par les critiques musicaux mais n’a pas eu le succès musical espéré, malgré une reprise de "Love Story" qui était sur son premier disque.

Randy Newman n'eut guère plus de réussite auprès du grand public avec son second album "12 Songs" sorti en 1970. Ses chansons assez sophistiquées, qui parlaient notamment du racisme ou de la violence, n’étaient pas dans le ton de l’époque. Son talent de compositeur fut toutefois reconnu avec "Mama told me not to come" et "Old Kentucky home". Pour ce second album, Randy Newman était accompagné d'excellents musiciens de studio comme Ry Cooder, Jim Gordon et Clarence White.

Newman eut son premier succès commercial avec l’album "Sail Away". De nombreuses chansons furent à nouveau reprises par d’autres interprètes comme Ray Charles ("Sail Away") et Joe Cocker ("You Can Leave Your Hat On").

Dans son album suivant, Good Old Boys, Newman a composé des chansons sur le Sud des États-Unis, dans lesquelles il évoque notamment Lester Maddox (ancien gouverneur ouvertement ségrégationniste de Géorgie) : "Rednecks" . Dans "Rednecks", il semble d'abord ironiser sur l'idéologie des "petites gens" du Sud, considérés comme racistes et stupides («We're Rednecks, and we don't know our ass from a hole in the ground»), mais il révèle ensuite combien le Nord a durement traité les Noirs, de telle sorte qu'à la fin, on ne sait quel camp il faut choisir et de quelle "opinion" il se réclame («Now your northern Nigger is a Negro… the north has set the Nigger free, yes he's free to be put in a cage in Harlem in New York City… ». L'album comporte des chansons plus légères ("Rollin") ou tendres ("Marie"). Ce fut un succès commercial, l’album devenant n°36 au Billboard.

Little Criminals fut aussi une réussite, avec notamment "Short People" une chanson ressentie comme assez ambiguë par ceux qui ne comprennent pas qu'on peut se moquer des nains tout en décrivant leur univers mental et les souffrances que le fait d'être petit et le regard des autres leur infligent. Newman raconte les nains comme il chante les Sudistes, avec un mélange de rire sarcastique et d'empathie basé sur le fait que les personnes réelles ne sont ni entièrement bonnes ni entièrement mauvaises. Et que ceux qui donnent ordinairement au monde des leçons de morale sont bien souvent ceux qui devraient être les derniers à en donner...


Un artiste à part entière
En 1973, l'ex-Beatle Ringo Starr chante Have you seen my baby, composée par Randy Newman, dans l'album Ringo.

En 1983, il composa Trouble in Paradise qui eut plus de succès que ses albums antérieurs, grâce notamment à I Love L.A.. Plus tard, en 1990, il adapta Faust de Goethe dans un album-concept (Randy Newman tient le rôle du diable) et un spectacle musical.

Il a donné son dernier concert en France le 28 février 2000 à La Cigale, à Paris.

Best films

Toy Story 4 (2019)
(Conductor)
Toy Story 3 (2010)
(Music)
Monsters University (2013)
(Original Music Composer)
Monsters, Inc. (2001)
(Music Producer)
Meet the Fockers (2004)
(Original Music Composer)
Toy Story 2 (1999)
(Orchestrator)

Usually with

John Lasseter
John Lasseter
(13 films)
Lee Unkrich
Lee Unkrich
(9 films)
Jeff Pidgeon
Jeff Pidgeon
(8 films)
Pete Docter
Pete Docter
(7 films)
Source : Wikidata

Filmography of Randy Newman (42 films)

Display filmography as list

Actor

Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him?), 1h56
Origin USA
Genres Documentary, Musical
Themes Films about music and musicians, Documentary films about music and musicians, Documentaire sur une personnalité, Musical films
Actors Harry Nilsson, Micky Dolenz, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Ringo Starr, Robin Williams
Roles Himself
Rating75% 3.7892953.7892953.7892953.7892953.789295
David Leaf and John Scheinfeld interviewed close to three dozen of Nilsson's friends, colleagues and extended family, who all shared their memories of Harry Nilsson, his music and how it affected them. This was put together in a documentary where we follow Harry Nilsson from childhood to death, enjoying the highs and lows along with him, from Grammy wins through divorce and substance abuse.
The Princess and the Frog, 1h37
Directed by Ron Clements, John Musker
Origin USA
Genres Fantasy, Musical, Animation, Romance
Themes Films about animals, Cooking films, Films about magic and magicians, Musical films, Political films, Buddy films, Children's films
Actors Anika Noni Rose, Bruno Campos, Keith David, Michael-Leon Wooley, Jim Cummings, Peter Bartlett
Roles Cousin Randy (voice)
Rating71% 3.551573.551573.551573.551573.55157
In 1912 New Orleans, a seamstress named Eudora is reading the story of The Frog Prince to her daughter, Tiana, and her friend, Charlotte La Bouff. Charlotte finds the story to be romantic, while Tiana proclaims she will never kiss a frog. The years pass, and by 1926 Tiana has grown into an aspiring young chef who works two jobs, both as a diner waitress, so she can save enough money to start her own restaurant, a dream she shared with her late father James, who presumably died in the Great War.
The Boys: The Sherman Brothers' Story, 1h41
Origin USA
Genres Documentary, Musical
Themes Films about films, Films about music and musicians, Documentary films about music and musicians, Documentaire sur une personnalité, Musical films, Children's films
Actors Richard Morton Sherman, Robert Bernard Sherman, Roy E. Disney, Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, John Williams
Roles Himself
Rating76% 3.834713.834713.834713.834713.83471
The Boys: The Sherman Brothers' Story est un fascinant documentaire sur les frères Sherman, le duo extraordinairement prolifique oscarisé à qui l'on doit tant de chansons, et dont la grande réussite professionnelle dans le divertissement familial cachait des différences de vues de plus en plus grandes au cours de leurs soixante années de partenariat.
Leatherheads, 1h54
Directed by George Clooney
Origin USA
Genres Drama, Comedy, Comedy-drama, Romantic comedy, Romance
Themes Sports films, American football films
Actors George Clooney, John Krasinski, Renée Zellweger, Jonathan Pryce, Stephen Root, Wayne Duvall
Rating59% 2.9989652.9989652.9989652.9989652.998965
"Dodge" Connelly (George Clooney) is captain of the Duluth Bulldogs, a struggling professional American football team circa 1925. Dodge is determined to save both his team and pro football in general when the players lose their sponsor and the league is on the brink of collapse. He convinces Princeton University's college football star, Carter "the Bullet" Rutherford, to join the Bulldogs, hoping to capitalize on Carter's fame as a decorated hero of the First World War (like Alvin York, he single-handedly captured a large group of German soldiers). In addition to his legendary tales of combat heroism, Carter has dashing good looks and unparalleled speed and skill on the field. As a result of his presence, both the Bulldogs and pro football in general begin to prosper.
Toy Story
Toy Story (1995)
, 1h22
Directed by John Lasseter
Origin USA
Genres Comedy, Adventure, Animation
Themes Films about animals, Jeu, Films about dogs, Films about toys, Buddy films, Children's films, Mise en scène d'un mammifère
Actors Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger
Roles soliste
Rating79% 3.994633.994633.994633.994633.99463
In a world where toys pretend to be lifeless in the presence of humans, Woody, a pullstring cowboy toy, is the leader of a group of toys that are owned by a boy named Andy Davis. With his family moving away one week before his birthday, Andy is given a week-early party to spend with his friends, while the toys stage a reconnaissance mission to discover Andy's new presents. Andy receives a spaceman action figure named Buzz Lightyear, whose impressive features see him replacing Woody as Andy's favorite toy. Woody becomes resentful, especially when he notices that Buzz also gets attention from the other toys. However, Buzz believes himself to be a real space ranger on a mission to return to his home planet, while Woody tries to convince him that he is just a toy.
¡Three Amigos!, 1h38
Directed by John Landis
Origin USA
Genres Drama, Comedy, Action, Adventure, Western
Themes Films about television
Actors Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, Martin Short, Joe Mantegna, Jon Lovitz, Phil Hartman
Roles the Singing Bush
Rating64% 3.2489853.2489853.2489853.2489853.248985
In 1916, the notorious bandit El Guapo (Alfonso Arau) and his gang of thugs are collecting protection money from the small Mexican village of Santo Poco. Carmen (Patrice Martinez), daughter of the village leader, searches for someone who can come to the rescue of her townspeople. While visiting a small village church, she watches a silent film featuring "The Three Amigos" and, believing them to be real heroes, sends a telegram to Hollywood asking them to come and stop El Guapo. However, the telegraph operator edits her message since she has very little money to pay for it.

Scriptwriter

¡Three Amigos!, 1h38
Directed by John Landis
Origin USA
Genres Drama, Comedy, Action, Adventure, Western
Themes Films about television
Actors Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, Martin Short, Joe Mantegna, Jon Lovitz, Phil Hartman
Rating64% 3.2489853.2489853.2489853.2489853.248985
In 1916, the notorious bandit El Guapo (Alfonso Arau) and his gang of thugs are collecting protection money from the small Mexican village of Santo Poco. Carmen (Patrice Martinez), daughter of the village leader, searches for someone who can come to the rescue of her townspeople. While visiting a small village church, she watches a silent film featuring "The Three Amigos" and, believing them to be real heroes, sends a telegram to Hollywood asking them to come and stop El Guapo. However, the telegraph operator edits her message since she has very little money to pay for it.

Sound

Toy Story 4, 1h40
Directed by Josh Cooley
Origin USA
Genres Drama, Comedy, Fantasy, Adventure, Animation
Themes Jeu, Films about toys, Children's films
Actors Tom Hanks, Patricia Arquette, Tim Allen, Tony Hale, John Ratzenberger, Laurie Metcalf
Roles Conductor
Rating76% 3.8467453.8467453.8467453.8467453.846745
Woody, Buzz et les anciens jouets d'Andy sont désormais la propriété de Bonnie, une petite fille qui s'apprête à passer son premier jour en école maternelle. Woody n'est plus parmi les jouets préférés mais continue de s'assurer du bonheur de sa maitresse. Il se glisse ainsi dans le sac à dos de la fillette et la voit, lors de son premier jour, se fabriquer un jouet à partir d'une fourchette en plastique. Le jouet s'anime, prend le nom de Fourchette, mais a pleinement conscience d'être fait à partir de déchets. Woody passe donc le plus clair de son temps à sortir Fourchette des poubelles où il veut se jeter.
Marriage Story, 2h16
Directed by Uwe Boll, Noah Baumbach
Origin USA
Genres Drama, Comedy-drama
Actors Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, Laura Dern, Alan Alda, Ray Liotta, Julie Hagerty
Roles Conductor
Rating78% 3.9484753.9484753.9484753.9484753.948475
Charlie Barber est metteur en scène de théâtre à New York. Sa femme, Nicole, est une ancienne actrice de films pour adolescents qui travaille aujourd'hui avec son mari. Mais le couple va mal et ils décident de divorcer. Tout se passe relativement bien jusqu'au jour où Nicole reçoit une proposition professionnelle à l'autre bout du pays et qu'elle décide d'y emmener leur fils, Henry.
The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected), 1h50
Directed by Noah Baumbach
Origin USA
Genres Drama, Comedy, Comedy-drama
Themes Films about families
Actors Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller, Dustin Hoffman, Emma Thompson, Candice Bergen, Elizabeth Marvel
Roles Original Music Composer
Rating68% 3.445223.445223.445223.445223.44522
Une famille dysfonctionnelle se réunit à New York à l'occasion d'une cérémonie hommage au père artiste.
Cars 3
Cars 3 (2017)
, 1h42
Directed by Brian Fee
Origin USA
Genres Drama, Comedy, Adventure, Animation
Themes Children's films
Actors Owen Wilson, Cristela Alonzo, Armie Hammer, Larry the Cable Guy, Chris Cooper, Nathan Fillion
Roles Conductor
Rating67% 3.353273.353273.353273.353273.35327
Le célèbre Flash McQueen doit malheureusement abandonner les circuits après un très grave accident et alors qu'une nouvelle génération de voitures high-tech, menée par l'arrogant rookie Jackson Storm, l'a mis sur la touche. Pour ne pas finir comme était son mentor Doc Hudson, le numéro 95 entreprend donc de retrouver confiance en lui, aidé par une jeune entraîneuse enthousiaste et maladroite, Cruz Ramirez, et le mentor de son défunt mentor, Smokey.
Monsters University, 1h42
Directed by Dan Scanlon
Origin USA
Genres Comedy, Fantasy, Adventure, Animation
Themes L'adolescence, Films about education, Films about children, Films about the labor movement, Time travel films, Children's films, Films about school violence, Harcèlement au travail
Actors Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Joel Murray, Sean Hayes, Dave Foley
Roles Original Music Composer
Rating71% 3.597793.597793.597793.597793.59779
A young monster named Michael "Mike" Wazowski dreams of being a scarer (a monster who enters the human world at night to scare children so their screams can be harvested for energy) when he grows up, after visiting Monsters Inc. (Monstropolis' most profitable and best-known scaring company) on a school field trip. Eleven years later, Mike is a first-year scare major at Monsters University, where he meets a monster named James P. "Sulley" Sullivan.
Toy Story 3, 1h43
Directed by Lee Unkrich
Origin USA
Genres Comedy, Comedy-drama, Animation
Themes Jeu, Prison films, Films about toys, Évasion, Buddy films, Children's films
Actors Tom Hanks, John Morris, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ned Beatty, Don Rickles
Roles Music
Rating82% 4.1460154.1460154.1460154.1460154.146015
Andy, now 17 years old, is about to leave for college, and his toys have not been played with for years. He intends to take only Woody with him, and puts Buzz Lightyear, Jessie and the other toys in a bag to be stored in the attic. Andy's mother mistakenly takes the bag to the curb for garbage pickup. The toys escape and, believing Andy intended to throw them away, decide to climb in a donation box with Barbie bound for Sunnyside Daycare. Woody follows them and tries to explain the mistake, but they refuse to believe him.
The Princess and the Frog, 1h37
Directed by Ron Clements, John Musker
Origin USA
Genres Fantasy, Musical, Animation, Romance
Themes Films about animals, Cooking films, Films about magic and magicians, Musical films, Political films, Buddy films, Children's films
Actors Anika Noni Rose, Bruno Campos, Keith David, Michael-Leon Wooley, Jim Cummings, Peter Bartlett
Roles Songs
Rating71% 3.551573.551573.551573.551573.55157
In 1912 New Orleans, a seamstress named Eudora is reading the story of The Frog Prince to her daughter, Tiana, and her friend, Charlotte La Bouff. Charlotte finds the story to be romantic, while Tiana proclaims she will never kiss a frog. The years pass, and by 1926 Tiana has grown into an aspiring young chef who works two jobs, both as a diner waitress, so she can save enough money to start her own restaurant, a dream she shared with her late father James, who presumably died in the Great War.