From a musical background, with three of his uncles being Hollywood movie
composers, Randy Newman spent most of his childhood living in New Orleans,
absorbing the city's rich musical culture. Strongly influenced by Ray Charles,
Newman released his first single 'Golden Gridiron Boy' in 1961 when he was 18
and his rare ability as an imaginative songwriter and sharp lyricist resulted in
many other artists - including Gene Pitney, The O'Jays, Irma Thomas and Cilla
Black - recording his songs whilst Alan Price had a major hit with 'Simon Smith
& His Amazing Dancing Bear'.
Newman'...