RANDY NEWMAN

November 2003
		Award-winning musician, songwriter and composer Randy Newman has released a retrospective look at his career, "The Randy Newman Songbook." The artist answers your questions about composing for movies, his latest album and his life of music. RealAudio: Arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown talks with Newman about his life and work.

Forum Introduction Are there any other songwriters today who approach the task the way you do and if so, is that why I haven't heard of them? How should entertainers be viewed for their political views? What do you think of the current state of the music industry? Do you feel a desire to pass along your experiences, advice and wisdom to aspiring songwriters? What was it like working with Harry Nilsson? I was wondering which songwriter(s) among your contemporaries do you admire most? What was it like to finally receive your Best Song award after all of those nominations? What is there about music that sustains you? In some of your songs you take a sarcastic look at the U.S. and life in the U.S. In retrospect of your career and as an American, how do you see the state of the U.S.?	Thomas Vitolo of Salem, Ore., asks: Can you talk a little about the late Harry Nilsson? I can't seem to lose my long-standing affection for Nilsson Sings Newman. So sweet, so nuanced. Please elucidate on your collaboration with him. Randy Newman responds: Harry Nilsson was a sweet man and a great artist. I was deeply honored that he chose to make an album of my songs. Walt Leuzinger of Bushnell, Fla., asks: I've been an admirer of your songwriting and a fan of your music for more than 30 years. I was wondering which songwriter(s) among your contemporaries do you admire most, and is there a song that you did not write that you wish deep in your heart (not your wallet!) that you had? Randy Newman responds: In the early '60s when I started I admired all the people at Aldon Music particularly Carole King. Mann & Weil, Sedaka & Greenfield were also great. I've loved Stevie Wonder, Neil Young and a great deal of Elton John. I wished I'd written "Vincent" by Don McLean. "Seventeen" by Laura Ian is a great song about a very important subject, which almost no one else has written about. Teenagers are fanatically concerned with every aspect of their appearance and almost no one but Laura Ian has written about the insecurities they often feel. You know what I mean, I hope.   Photograph of Randy Newman by Pamela Springsteen