The 10 Best Documentaries And Videos About Randy Newman

Feb 25, 2024 | Best Of, People

It’s no secret that Randy Newman is a legendary music artist. His trademark style has made him an icon in the music industry, and his songs have become beloved classics over time. But what if you want to go beyond just listening to his songs? What if you want to learn about the man behind the music? That’s where documentaries come in!

 

1. I Am, Unfortunately, Randy Newman

Unfortunately, when I first tried to upload this to Youtube, I had no idea how the process worked. The BBC version was of high quality, but due to my lack of knowledge about the platform, I soon faced a lengthy ban from the website. Now that I’m more familiar with Youtube and have regained access to my account, I wish that I still had a copy of the document. Alas, it is not to be! Ah well… I guess I’ll just have to look for other great documentaries about Randy Newman in the meantime.

 

2. Randy Newman’s America

Randy Newman’s America is a must-see documentary from 1994. Directed by Leslie Woodhead, this film delves into the music and myths behind one of America’s most beloved singer-songwriters. With Dutch subtitles available, viewers will be taken on an entertaining journey through Randy Newman’s hauntingly beautiful soundscapes. Unfortunately, due to copyright reasons, the iconic video clip “I Love LA” had to be left out, but the rest of the documentary is an absolute treat. Viewers will get to explore Newman’s enigmatic sound and songwriting as they learn more about this legendary artist.

 

3. A Conversation with Randy Newman

Speaker Biography: Randy Newman is a renowned composer and performer with an impressive resume. He has won two Oscars, three Emmys, and six Grammys for his uplifting film scores such as “The Natural,” “Awakenings,” “Ragtime,” all three “Toy Story” movies, “Seabiscuit,” “James and the Giant Peach,” “A Bug’s Life” and many more. His unforgettable songs, like “I Think It’s Going to Rain Today,” “Louisiana 1927,” “Short People,” “Sail Away,” and the iconic “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” have left an indelible mark on popular music culture.

 

4. Randy Newman built his own legacy

Randy Newman’s early days in the music industry are legendary. Raised by his uncles Alfred and Lionel, Randy closely watched as maestros Jerry Goldsmith and John Williams evolved into film music titans. After Frank Sinatra passed on one of Randy’s greatest songs, he decided to score the game-changing Toy Story franchise—which catapulted his film scoring legacy. Here, Randy shares stories about his humble beginnings and the experiences that shaped him into a musical genius. Plus, get an exclusive look at why he chose to embark on such a groundbreaking journey! Follow along as Randy Newman takes us behind-the-scenes of one of the most iconic music careers in history!

 

5. Randy Newman on Songwriting, Authenticity and Baseball

Randy Newman is an icon of the 20th century music scene. His award-winning songwriting career has spanned decades, and his impressive repertoire of albums and scores are testament to his talent. From whimsical jingles to heartfelt ballads, Randy’s music has touched generations – it’s no wonder he’s been nominated for numerous awards! If you’re looking for an insider look at the man behind these incredible tunes, there are a few documentaries out there that provide a fascinating glimpse into his life and career. From interviews with old friends to behind-the-scenes footage of recording sessions, you’ll get an in-depth look at the creative genius that is Randy Newman.

 

6. How Randy Newman writes songs

Randy Newman is an iconic songwriter with a unique approach to music. His use of “masking” his characters in his songs reveals much about himself as we explore the depths of his writing and musical style. American Dreams by Kevin Courrier, Maybe I’m Doing It Wrong by David & Caroline Stafford, and Greil Marcus’ essay from Mystery Train all provide amazing insight into Randy’s work. We take a journey through his songs, exploring the personal messages he shares and how they tell stories about him as an artist. From his approach to crafting melodies to digging into lyrics, we gain much knowledge from this documentary.

 

7. Randy Newman live – TV Special 2000

Netherlands viewers were treated to a special treat when Dutch TV Show 2 Meter Sessies featured Randy Newman in 2001. Here, he showcased some of his greatest hits from the past and even played some new material. It was a memorable experience for fans of his music, as he took them through a journey of emotion-filled melodies and witty lyrics. Each song had something special to offer, from the lighthearted “Short People” to his poignant ballads like “Feels Like Home”. Undoubtedly, this was a must-see event for fans of Randy Newman and it showed why he is one of the most respected songwriters in music today.

 

8. Randy Newman’s Greatest Hits

Randy Newman is a living treasure. His music has reached far and wide, topping the charts for decades with its unique sound—combining elements of jazz, blues, folk, country, and pop. It’s no wonder that his life story is being told in documentaries! From insight into his creative process to exploring how he’s influenced popular culture throughout his career, get an in-depth look into the life of this musical genius with the best documentaries about Randy Newman.

 

9. Kurt Vile, Randy Newman, Vera Drew

We were so fortunate to have Kurt Vile grace us with his presence in the studio, and Randy Newman (or was it?) dropping by on the hothead hotline at 41:09! We also had a blast with our old pals Uncle Phil (21:17) and Vera Drew (1:10:55). So if you’re up for some laughs and fun, tune into our show! You won’t regret it. Plus, you’ll get to hear all the great stories told by our celebrity guests. It’s a must-hear documentary series and we hope you’ll join in on the fun. Don’t miss it!

 

10. Top10 Soundtracks by Randy Newman

Do you love the music of Randy Newman? His signature sound is instantly recognizable and his compositions are timeless. Here’s a list of documentaries about the beloved musician that will give you a better appreciation for his work.From biographical films that take you through his life and career, to behind-the-scenes looks at how he creates his masterpieces, these documentaries offer an engaging and enlightening experience. Whether you’re a fan of Randy Newman or just curious about his work, these documentaries will help you develop a greater appreciation for the music he creates.

 

Read On – Our Latest Top Documentaries Lists

David B