Randy Newman

A Los Angeles native, Randy Newman became famous during the 1960s and ’70s for writing quirky, darkly funny, or sharply satirical songs. This idiosyncratic style alternated between sweeping cinematic pop and rolling R&B, a style heavily influenced by time spent in New Orleans during his youth. Randy Newman’s success grew after the release of his self-titled debut album in 1968. Newman began a career as a film composer in the early 1980s and among his film compositions are many kid-friendly songs, including “Toy Story’s” “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” and “If I Didn’t Have You?” from “Monster’s Inc”.