It's a jungle out there

 “If you’re doing something, show up every day, and something good might happen – it’s not going to happen if you don’t show up.” – Randy Newman
Born on Nov. 28, 1943, Newman is a writer who pretty much always shows up, especially when it comes to writing songs for movies.  He’s been nominated for 20 Academy Awards, 3 Emmys, 6 Grammys and been named for the Governor's Award from the Recording Academy.   Inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, his most memorable film scores are for the Toy Story and Monsters, Inc. series; Seabiscuit; and Ragtime.
Newman cites Ray Charles as his greatest influence during his “growing up” years and has been a professional songwriter since age 17.   In his early years he was writing for other musicians or groups with which he sang, but for the past 40 years his raspy, fun-filled voice is all that’s really needed to bring his words to life.                                        I can truly say I’ve never heard a Newman song I didn’t like, and I encourage all to check him out on YouTube.  I especially like “It’s a Jungle out there,” the Emmy winning theme song for the long-running TV series Monk.  And below, for your listening pleasure, here’s a link to “We Belong Together” from Toy Story 3, one of his Academy Award winners.  This version also shows the words and it’s Newman’s voice that you hear.  Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ns5Q25ozfaw



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