Randy Newman's Non-Love Songs

Gary North - December 16, 2015

Randy Newman writes songs. He has written commercially successful songs since 1964.

He has been nominated 20 times for the Oscar. He has won twice. "Not a good perecentage," as he told the audience at his second win.

Sometimes he writes songs for money. Big money. Like this one:

And this one.

But that is not how he began. In 1974, a decade into his career, he wrote this. It did not become a hit. But I found it touching. I think it's his light touch on the piano -- and the interplay with the lyrics. It reminds us that home is where the heart is.

This one was not well received by vertically challenged listeners. In 1978, state of Maryland delegate Isaiah Dixon attempted to introduce legislation making it illegal to play "Short People" on the radio. That's my kind of song. I was not alone. It went gold.

Listen to your momma!

Birmingham. Greatest city in Alabam. "Get 'em, Dan!"

He has friends. What friends he has!

Here's why he did all this.

Another fan produced this.