
Guest DJ Randy Newman
Note: This week we're featuring select episodes from our Guest DJ archives. Today we've got a conversation with Randy Newman. The singer, composer and pianist recently released his 11th solo album. It's called Dark Matter. Bob Boilen originally spoke with Newman back in 2008 when Newman released his previous record, Harps And Angels.

Randy Newman, performing at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall Ross Gilmore/Redferns hide caption
Randy Newman, performing at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
Ross Gilmore/RedfernsAll Songs Considered's Bob Boilen says that Randy Newman's new CD, Harps and Angels, is as good as anything he's ever done — and, at times, better. Boilen says he's happy he doesn't have to say, "I really liked his older stuff," and that it's a relief to be able to say, "I like him better when he's older." He invited Randy Newman to guest DJ an episode of the show and talk about his favorite songs, as well as the musicians who've influenced him the most.
Newman tells stories about his musical family. Three of his uncles composed for film, the most well-known being Alfred Newman. He recalls the lady who took care of him and his brothers when he was young introducing him to LaVern Baker and Elvis Presley. But Newman says that Ray Charles was probably his biggest influence; Newman thinks he sounded like Ray Charles before he even heard him. And he remembers the rock-star stature of the conductor Toscanini and the first time he heard the Beatles' harmonies.
Guest DJ Randy Newman

Love Denied
Alfred Newman
- Song: Love Denied
- from How Green Was My Valley

Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21
Arturo Toscanini
- Song: Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21
- from Beethoven: 9 Symphonies/Leonore Overture No. 3

Saved
LaVern Baker
- Song: Saved
- from Soul on Fire: The Best of LaVern Baker

Harps and Angels
Randy Newman
- Song: Harps and Angels
- from Harps and Angels

Just for a Thrill
Ray Charles
- Song: Just for a Thrill
- from Genius of Ray Charles

Political Science
Randy Newman
- Song: Political Science
- from The Randy Newman Songbook, Vol. 1

From Me to You
The Beatles
- Song: From Me to You
- from The Beatles 1