Randy Newman to perform at MSU Riley Center Thursday
Randy Newman
Randy Newman is one of popular music's great songwriters, known for his croaky voice and humorous lyrics that are often sarcastic and always observant. He has long been one of the most musically and lyrically ambitious singer-songwriters in popular music.
The MSU Riley Center’s historic stage in downtown Meridian will host this prolific artist on Thursday [Nov. 13] at 7:30 p.m. There will be a pre-show reception at 6 p.m.
Newman’s 40-year career has included a few improbable hits (“Short People” and “I Love L.A.”), two Academy Awards (and 20 nominations), and a trove of smart, satirical songs that has won him the reverence of his peers. A professional songwriter since he was 17, Newman cites Ray Charles as his greatest influence growing up.
Since the 1980s, he has worked mostly as a film composer. His film scores include "Ragtime," "Awakenings," "The Natural," "Seabiscuit," "The Princess and the Frog," the "Toy Story" series, "Cars," and more.
Newman has also won three Emmys, six Grammy Awards and the Governor’s Award from the Recording Academy. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2002. In 2007, he was inducted as a Disney Legend, and in 2013 he became a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Tickets are $59 and $53 at the MSU Riley Center box office, which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets can be purchased online at www.msurileycenter.com or by calling the box office at 601-696-2200.
