Randall Stuart Newman, born in 1943 in Los Angeles, is a celebrated American singer, songwriter, composer, and pianist. Known for his distinct Southern-accented vocal style and sharp, often satirical lyrics rooted in Americana, Newman’s own hits include Short People, I Love LA, and You’ve Got a Friend in Me. He began his career as a teenage songwriter, working with artists like the Fleetwoods and Cilla Black before launching his solo career with his 1968 debut album. Newman found further success with albums such as Sail Away, Good Old Boys, and Little Criminals. Since the 1980s, Newman has become renowned as a film composer, especially for his work with Disney and Pixar on films like Toy Story, A Bug’s Life, Monsters Inc, and Cars, as well as movies such as Ragtime and Marriage Story. Over his career, he has earned multiple Grammys, Emmys, and two Academy Awards, and has been inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.