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.?	Edward Santoro of San Diego, Calif., asks: 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.? What should we learn from other countries and what should other countries learn from us? Randy Newman responds: I'm more worried about the state of the U.S. than I've ever been. Maybe I'm turning into an old crock but it seems to me that this administration is by far the worst group of people we've ever had running this country. Not since the period prior to Teddy Roosevelt have we seen so great a disparity between rich and poor. I think that this administration cares only about the rich - not the poor, not the children and not those who are discriminated against because of race, color, or gender. I think the press has been far too easy on these people. Read Paul Krugman. I think we have to be careful now that we are the only world power to exercise restraint and to realize that what is right for us is not right for everyone. Photograph of Randy Newman by Pamela Springsteen