Randy Newman

The original pop ironist, Randy Newman is also one of the rock era's finest melodists. This is partially because his main musical inspiration lies in pre-rock sources like Charles Ives and Stephen Foster. Despite the arch humor, his songs still pose an emotional resonance that cuts straight to the bone. Though Newman's songs have been covered and revered by many prominent artists, from Ray Charles to Ringo Starr, the quirky songwriter earned his greatest financial success through extensive soundtrack work--for which he has also received numerous Oscar nominations.

• pop
• singer songwriter
• 1970s
• 1980s