Randy Newman: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

[@Rennygade1]

I’d never heard Wondering Boy before. That one hit deep for me. My son was homeless and struggling with addiction about the time this came out. I’m not sure I could have listened to this more than once back then. Heavy times. Fast forward…he’s 6+ years clean and just better than he’s ever been. If this was based on a true story for Randy, I truly hope his also ended well. 💙

[@kimmyray1234]

PRAISE GOD! 🙏 I WISH MY PROPHETIC VOICE WOULD HAVE SPOKEN EARLIER , I E SUFFERED FROM ALOT !

[@kimmyray1234]

Your story touched me ❤

[@kimmyray1234]

He's still alive 80

[@kimmyray1234]

Pray ❤ I heard hes jus recovering from a broken neck I heard 😢

[@keithbird8910]

Randy Newman has aged like fine wine, getting more complex, richer, deeper and warmer. A natural songwriter who can write the most savage satire and follow it with the most tender love song that will leave you in pieces, Enjoy him, savour him and be glad that you were born in the same era. Hats off - a genius!

[@nicehatmrdog5265]

Keith Bird fatty poo poo

[@amandawilcox9638]

@@nicehatmrdog5265 Feel better now?

[@buttafoco]

Beautifully said

[@danielbloedorn7983]

You can leave your hat on.

[@__eganista6372]

That was single handedly the best comment on here. Thank you x

[@Balthazar2242]

It's not just that his voice is endlessly distinctive and unique, it's that his melodies are so nuanced and accessible at the same time. They sound like songs that I've always known, but I'm hearing them for the first time.

[@j.rodriguez8289]

So true. And it's also the lyrics. He's such a great song writer.....

[@Dave-lr2wo]

He is an absolutely BRILLIANT musician and writer, among the all-time greats and definitely in the canon.

[@michaelfebbert737]

It's worth it!

[@fredhoupt4078]

beautifully said.

[@Tyler_Wilson]

Wow.. “She Chose Me” is songwriting genius. Absolutely gorgeous.

[@kurtdewitt460]

It's really close to "when she loved me" in chord structure etc. both great!

[@Esus4]

I think I just heard the greatest love song since Marie.

[@molihanms]

She Chose Me is absolutely amazing. But I totally didn't tear up at Wandering Boy....

[@chadopitz6883]

Wandering Boy is one of most beautiful sad songs I've ever heard. His empathy as a songwriter has always been incredible

[@Anonygaijin]

This. As far as new stuff goes, Lost Without You is up there too, but Wandering Boy gets me every time.

[@j.rodriguez8289]

As a father, it brings tears to my eyes. My son is small......but just thinking of this happening to anyone's son is incredibly sad.

[@floracaroline19]

Me too... Just shatters me every time

[@maxinbo]

Yes, so touching.

[@ElPepperoni]

This song just shattered me, as a dad of an 11 month old girl. I have never gone from perfectly normal to sobbing uncontrollably the second I realized what the song was about.

[@SourDoughBill]

I bought "Sail Away" with money from my paper route in 1972. Hard to believe it's been almost 50 years. Randy Newman is a national treasure.

[@gregorywhite9095]

What an album! I'm glad somebody agrees with me.

[@Mozart1220]

I just learned how to play "Sail Away" but I don;t know if it's for general audiences.

[@Liam123-r8o]

Wow. You had great musical taste for this young age.😮

[@daviswall3319]

Brian Wilson’s favorite record and one of mine as well

[@caitlintweed]

You are so sweet :)

[@corey949]

After years of composing film scores, this genius is back to writing some of the funniest and most heartbreaking songs you could ever hope to hear. I saw him at the Troubadour in 1968. He was brilliant then and has, impossibly, gone even deeper and farther as a composer, lyricist and performer. He's a direct musical descendant of Gershwin, lyrical heir to the legacy of Yip Harburg and steeped in stride, blues and boogie woogie. He's able to synthesize the last couple hundred years of great American song into works that are both achingly personal and universal. These new songs have me laughing and crying at the same time. Thank you, Mr. Newman. (And thanks to NPR Tiny Desk for this lovely taste)

[@stevenboyd593]

And Yip Harburg, another great who 9 out 10 no nothing about and who like Mr N have contributed so greatly to the fiber of all that is worthwhile and beautiful in our lives

[@pauljones5066]

they are funny!

[@eddiewakesmusic3137]

Corey Fischer...Beautifully written...”Hear, Hear!!”

[@vuls81]

Dexter's Tune is my favorite piece from him. The scene in the movie Awakening just really hits you in the heart

[@Dani68ABminus]

Agreed!

[@LambentOrt]

She Chose Me put tears in my eyes...

[@bobdylanlovr69]

lambent ort and pushed them down my cheeks

[@sanchitoboc9224]

That piano is like an extension of his imagination, flowing with his thoughts and his voice in perfect harmony.

[@mothman.industries]

I hope I'm never able to sit through "Wandering Boy" without crying. What an absolutely incredible song.

[@KieranAtkins]

Timestamps - 0:00 - Putin. 3:29 - She chose me. 6:07 - It's A Jungle out there. 9:06 - Meaning behind Wandering boy. 10:06 - Wandering boy.

[@CamboyGDubbz]

National Treasure is an understatement. International Treasure is an understatement. This man is one of the most influential people in film history. And he's a musician.

[@dahalofreeek]

One of the song writers he influenced was Brian Wilson so he's more or less influenced everyone indirectly.

[@r.dbergman4034]

You guys are both out of your minds. This guy is shit, and Brian Wilson is so overrated it's beyond belief..

[@maxbiddick3263]

get out you silly fucking troll

[@arturobelano6243]

listen to baltimore

[@withnail-and-i]

Lol that's a huge overstatement

[@taylorblanpied4351]

Welp... just got floored with the last song "Wandering Boy". Don't think I'll stop crying for a few days. What an incredible song writer. Just an absolute legend.

[@TheFourteenthWard]

What an absolute legend

[@noah7329]

Absolutely he is

[@HenryCasillas]

💜

[@pauljojo6855]

Randy Newman, Tom Waits, Warren Zevon. Three of the best songwriters in my lifetime for songs that hit you in the heart.

[@dalecornell5689]

Can't overlook Townes Van Zandt

[@JimHudson-kx6vl]

Great choices.

[@ratsontherails]

Replace Waits with Van Zandt.

[@catcherblock1271]

I wish Tom waits got more political but his imagination was from another lifetime ..

[@honeywoodpilot]

Randy can tickle your funny bone one minute and then tear your heart out of your chest the next. His lyrics always make you think and draw images in your minds eye. He is truly gifted and quite a gift to us. Thanks Tiny!

[@spot333]

That last song brought tears to my eyes make me think about my son. Who I haven't seen in a while

[@JillKnapp]

The greatest gift you can give a musician is that moment of stillness at the end of a quiet song... that feeling of not even wanting to disturb that moment by even breathing. After "Wandering Boy," the audience doesn't even move, and neither does Randy. That, my friends, is the greatest gift to a musician, when we are all connected in that glorious moment.

[@Callmemrnichols]

Jill Knapp amen.

[@davidunoi7099]

That second song...sledge hammer to my heart. One of those rare rare gems that will grow in significance and meaning as life goes on. Incredible

[@Bentumen]

Never thought this day would come

[@jbonillaguitar]

the universe answers, always

[@swinnburn]

Now it's your turn!??

[@paullegloan1502]

Great songwriter, I can see great things happening to this young man!

[@Pete-z6e]

Paul , it’s inevitable!!

[@MacAoidh4]

Only 38, he's got a serious future 😂👏🏼

[@spookygasman5162]

Hahaha laughed so hard

[@kathyhollenbach7413]

@Paul Le Gloan, unless you're 100 yrs old, Randy is no young man and he has had great things happen to him.

[@kathyhollenbach7413]

@Michael McHugh, I know he's older than 38.

[@jamesmcmanamy4704]

Randy Newman offers a banquet of musical nourishment. You can touch and taste his offerings. There is something on the table for everyone. He is incomparable.

[@maxbiddick3263]

Randy Newman on NPR. What a day and age we live in - this is fucking brilliant.

[@Bigsinglecoils]

Genius... I was just going to stay a minute- briefly see what he was up to these days and move on. Couldn't stop watching, stayed to the end. There's no one like him.

[@mingu4k]

what a man. an artist of staggering, tremendous depth and musicality. so lovely to see him do a tiny desk.

[@nancyconway4026]

I've been a huge fan of Randy Newman since 1969 - he is brilliant and I love him.

[@nancyconway4026]

And so glad you like Pittsburgh!

[@markswessinger7814]

Oh, my. She chose me has me in tears. What a lovely, loving song.

[@averagejohsgym2869]

I’m at work trying not cry and laugh out loud. Newman has always been one of a kind since I can remember

[@neilmoore7194]

I've been a fan and "friend" of Randy Newman for over 50 years. His music has always Spoken to me in such a profound way. Thank you Mr. Newman.

[@hostmoe]

7:24 "They got a tap right on your phone, microphones and cameras checking out everything you do.... Call it paranoia, but even paranoids have enemies. I'm not the one who's crazy, I'm not afraid of them. THEY'RE AFRAID OF YOU AND ME!" Truer words have never been sung before.

[@shemiyahyasharalla7695]

The first verse is my favorite…I’m the one people call paranoid ☝🏾 HEY! Who’s in charge here?!❤😂

[@natesvideos7339]

Very few artists are truly original and can never be replaced, Randy Newman is one of those artists

[@lucasrem]

Nobody replaced Elvis

[@IrishBShep]

The true voice of the "Human Condition"! His satire comedy, lyrics, and amazing compositions are a true treasure! Thank you Randy!

[@davidlodico6367]

Love how NPR keeps surprising me with talented people I did not know. Thank you NPR!

[@innovativeatavist159]

David Lo Dico you should dig deeper into his catalogue. Randy Newman has never been afraid of a subject. He's tackled a lot more than Toy Story.

[@davidlodico6367]

I will! Any recommendations?

[@innovativeatavist159]

David Lo Dico Sail Away and Good Old Boys are both great. I grew up with them in my father's cd collection. If you can, I would go down a deep dark spotify hole and figure out what you like.

[@ekaril5060]

12 Songs, Sail Away, and Good Old Boys are his 3 masterpieces (thats not to say his other albums are bad). You are in for a treat

[@tedfort1698]

Bad Love is my personal favorite album. Just a delightful composition of love songs of varying levels of cynicism.

[@fafafagat]

Cool guy 10 outta 10. He's gotta friend in me.

[@robertmichaeladams1334]

well played !

[@Liam123-r8o]

Wandering Boy. Already one of the best Songs of all time.

[@howardhewitt1797]

Poetry always has the same effect on me too, captures our inner most joy and loss, the enigmatic gift of this life.

[@Liam123-r8o]

@@howardhewitt1797 this was poetic. Randy would be proud.😊

[@boatformypotplants]

I urge anyone who likes this to check out the album, recorded in the late sixties, called 'Nilsson Sings Newman'. A whole album showcasing some of Newman's best songs sung by one of the greatest voices - and Randy plays piano throughout, and the quality of production is outstanding.

[@92ninersboy]

Now this is a great songwriter.

[@brianmurphy5036]

Giant of a song writer. One of a kind. National treasure

[@Leenanshee]

Randy Newman, I love you. from Sail Away til now, you have moved my heart. Please never stop writing and singing.

[@twobirdsstonedatonce]

Putin Man 0:00 She Chose Me 3:29 It's A Jungle Out There 6:06 Wandering Boy 10:06

[@Slax15]

No short people?

[@vuls81]

Dexter's Tune is my favorite piece from him. The scene in the movie Awakening just really hits you in the heart

[@RobertSeviour1]

Wandering boy hits me so hard I only just managed to hold back tears. I've loved Randy's work for 50 years - I saw him when we were both young at a concert in Munich. He has the same level of musical and lyrical ability as another hero from the same era - Tom Lehrer. Big intellects both of them.

[@linzheng2288]

NPR’s tiny desk just proved it’s one of the best things in the world again

[@somedude5817]

I asked him to play at my wedding. Currently the pricing is at $18,000 before including paying for his hotel and food for the event and such. I'm starting to think it's worth it.

[@santacruz600]

Get a real wedding band that people can dance too...

[@ragilmalik]

it is considered cheap, somehow. local band in my country costs at least $2.000, a band with national reputation ranges from $5.000 - $10.000. just the band, everything else excluded. $18.000 for a legend ? he is sure gonna have so little to none rest timr

[@vetlerradio]

What the fuck, where do you live?

[@somedude5817]

Doesn't matter. I do wedding parties for about $2500. More recognizable bands are $10000. Which is why I'm using a god damn laptop for my wedding.

[@jameshill2450]

If I could afford it I would pay 18k to have him play just the second song alone. If you have that in your budget it's absolutely worth it.

[@thirdeyebrittian7472]

God this Wandering Boy song makes me think how my sweet mother must worry, as I am currently homeless in Minneapolis. It just gets me everytime. So beautiful! I'll be back home soon, Mom! Just had to remind myself who I am again... THANK YOU Randy Newman! I love u, Brother! 1LOVE, ✊🏽✌🏽BRITTIAN🖖🏽✊🏽

[@dianek3051]

Did u go back to mom?

[@andrewagarcia]

LEGEND.

[@lucasrem]

Randy Oldman!

[@jcoleman1or3]

@@lucasrem Gary Newman

[@codynico90]

I dont mean to be so off topic but does anybody know of a tool to get back into an instagram account? I stupidly lost my password. I love any assistance you can give me!

[@axtonfletcher3554]

@Cody Nico instablaster :)

[@simonpenny2564]

tears are streaming down my face for Wandering Boy. , How can you not love Randy? Yes to Keith Bird (below) - totally right

[@TRSmith-xb9dg]

WOW! What a master. 73 years old. What Wisdom. This is what We (as Humans), used to find, mine, in our seniors. So few, and far between.

[@tylerapsley7298]

Wow he played the monk theme song, that makes me so happy

[@dreidrei94]

Thanks! I couldn't remember where I heard it from :\

[@judahdsouza9196]

Tyler Apsley that's what it was !!!

[@setobikouta2310]

no one seems to care, well i do

[@Crime_Minister_1]

Monk is the greatest show ever made. Mr Monk is the greatest detective to ever grace the planet. Marcey Maven is his biggest fan.

[@howisitgoin4267]

It's a jungle ouit theya

[@johnelstad]

If you liked the second and fourth songs I urge you to listen to others from his discography including "I Miss You," "Losing You," "Feels Like Home," "Every Time It Rains," "Bad News from Home," "I Want You to Hurt Like I Do," "Texas Girl at the Funeral of Her Father," "In Germany Before the War," "I'll Be Home," "Marie," "A Wedding in Cherokee County," "Old Man," and "I Think it's Going to Rain Today."

[@rustyhguitar1]

I play Feels Like Home. A beautiful song I chose for my dearest friend who I ache so deeply to be not just my friend. And I also chose it as an exercise in finding the essence of what 10 genius fingers are doing, and reducing it to my four stubby fingers coaxing life out of six pieces of wire on a wooden box. Beautiful beautiful song. Tears are always close when I play it. I fear the day we lose this man.

[@surfeurdebile]

Merci Mr. Newman. Vous êtes un génie. Tout est si parfait quand vous êtes à votre piano. Je vous aime. From France.

[@enblanchard5492]

Dude. Tom Waits and Randy Newman. Savages. We need so much more heart in the world, these guys ooze it.

[@troyhudson13]

By "Wandering Boy" (but long before then) you can tell he's doing something different than most musicians: He's actually inhabiting these characters he's written. His songs will live forever, because they're alive like a Tennessee Williams play. They live and breathe, and speak their truth through the music.

[@ratsontherails]

The chords are sort of ominous too. They don't sit comfortably. The music feels like he doesn't think it will work out well for his son, but the lyrics are full of hope.

[@ankapleune]

She choses me, to be able to transform love in a song as this one, you are gifted and so am I. Early morning in the Netherlands and you made me smile.

[@stuartthorpe]

A delight. The NPR Music description above says it all. Except that this man is not only a national treasure. He is a world treasure. The poignancy, wit and sheer humanity . .thank you Randy Newman

[@ThaoNguyen-du9de]

I don't understand how you can dislike this great performance! So wholesome and raw 👏🏽👏🏽

[@nathanreiber6819]

odd to see Randy described as wholesome. lol

[@realogsg]

my life is complete, thank you so much for inviting him on the show

[@drbekken]

I have listened to Newman for almost forty years. He always moves me.

[@akesq01]

What a treasure. Thank you NPR and Mr. Newman! It ended 10 minutes ago and I am still in tears. Wandering Boy, especially. So sincere and achingly beautiful.

[@A_Wild_Dyzzy]

To think the man that was made a meme because of his writing style wrote a song like "She Chose Me". Such a beautiful song. Randy Newman is a legendary musician through and through.

[@nathanreiber6819]

the meme is so off base and has nothing to do with how he writes.

[@pepeshiraz655]

what meme?

[@gerrwalshmusic]

what a heart breaker of a songwriter, pure gold.

[@mainecolbs]

I have to come back to this video to watch this version of Wandering Boy. It tugs at the heartstrings like nothing else

[@mattthackray9236]

Genius, melody, lyrics, wit, humor, and artistry! I salute you, Randy Newman

[@SebastiaanHolStadsgids]

Randy Newman is an international treasure. He was - with Cornelis Vreeswijk and Jim Groce - one of the favorite singer-songwriters of my father (oh, and the guys from Stealers Wheel), who was born on august 18th 1941. He would be 80 years old today if he didn't die on october 28th of the year 2008. very confusing year. On his 'birthday' I listen to the music of Randy Newman again, and enjoy it a lot...

[@elijahlupe]

Wandering Boy just punched me right in the eyes and I can't stop crying

[@evansimmons4773]

Gosh, he’s so funny! But it makes his music sound so sincere!

[@ronsmith1364]

there's no "sound" as bil the cat sez thbbtttttzzzzzz genuine as a sunrise, the tides and the wind

[@alspeace]

Hands down one of the best song writers of my lifetime and I have over 6 decades on this planet.

[@richardbrucegraham1642]

My God, how I love this man, his mind and music. Thank you Lord for the gift of Randy Newman.

[@mel3004]

That last song was really touching.

[@genecawley]

Why he is not considered to be in the same league as, say, a Bob Dylan or a Leonard Cohen, I'll never know. An ABSOLUTE treasure. This is wonderful.

[@fretfix1]

I consider him to be...but I am just A Wandering Boy....

[@firefighterps2]

He is I believe.

[@dzinypinydoroviny]

I'd even argue that Randy is way above Dylan or Cohen.

[@barbarascott3350]

Well who says he’s not… frankly a cut above Dylan

[@dylanherne6093]

​@@dzinypinydoroviny I grew up on Dylan, I was named after the guy... I think Randy is far beyond Dylan in every way. Dylan has been sniffing his own farts for far too long.

[@eberniewon]

Newman's haunting lyrics and sardonic wit are among his trademarks. A brilliant storyteller and arguably America's greatest composer.

[@MrMassivefavour]

Sail Away Love Story (you and me) God's Song (that's why I love mankind) Simon Smith When she loved me And Now....Wandering Boy This man has a unique ability to write empathy and melancholy, in the UK we have saying about someone who has been around so long, constantly doing their thing and never failing becoming "National Treasures" perhaps the US foes as well? Well Mr Newman CERTAINLY is at that level. Absolute heartbreaker to finish this show. Thankyou

[@helloitsnicko]

The second & fourth songs put my heart firmly in my throat god dammit Mr. Newman

[@tiago2336]

I never cried so much watching a concert. This man is something else.

[@jondailey9481]

holy shit... the way he just packs his emotions right back in after those two damn near tear jerkers is nothing short of the definition of a master performer

[@dhutton77]

I saw him live once; during a pause he said he probably had enough songs for TWO concerts, not one. A short pause..."of course, the second one would be pretty shitty"; not sure I agree with that.

[@MJ-hu9rj]

There is NO one like Randy Newman. His music has been such a great part of my life. I love Randy Newman!

[@billrwoolsey]

Absolutely one of the best, if not best, songwriters of all time. Amazing.

[@madcat5965]

Untouchable songwriter

[@mynameismike1864]

This video is actually a first time I see Randy Newman perform - everything I saw before was parody of him like the one in the Family Guy. And back then I thought to myself "Well, might be just another musician with funny voice that people make fun of - I've got more important things to do than to check him out"... ...Damn. I've never been so wrong in my entire life.

[@francismuir9313]

Thanks for sharing that slice of humble pie with us

[@OregonDroneScapes]

Listen to it all and be amazed at his quick ability to make you chuckle a bit than cry.

[@Neyonius]

Man, I'd love to sit down with Randy just to talk with him about his life and his perspective on it. He may be the butt of many jokes, but I feel it all comes from a place of appreciation. You've got a friend in me, is one of the earliest examples of music giving me goosebumps. Thank you Mr.Newman, thank you for years of music in some of my favorite movies.

[@dannyhqax]

I'm seeing him tomorrow! Can't wait!

[@GeorgeAPadilla]

Add a note, for history? I won't get to see him. But don't bother if it troubles you ;(

[@Huimatewaka]

prior to seeing this my favourite Tiny Desk performance was Tech Nine, but then i see this and it reminds me of singing with my grandson "you've got a friend in me' in Randy voices , the beautiful memories i hold.....4 years later i stumble across this master piece !!!!!!!!! by far my favourite next to Tech Nines performance.....1 man 1 Piano and 1 godly voice....thank you Randy.

[@dissident31]

An absolute joy to see a master at work.

[@ragilmalik]

if you play piano or at least guitar, you know how hard it is to play the chords and melodies whilst singing like that. love randy!

[@fsiagia]

Yeah, well he didn't just play it. He created those songs.

[@bgp6656]

Can confirm, I play both Protect him at all costs.

[@pat7504]

Oh my god, I genuinely burst into tears at that last one.

[@PillPharmer]

Wow. His musicianship is unparalleled. A cut above!

[@photographerjonathan]

I didn't want this to end, wish he played longer

[@tomajortom]

A legend. I love him so much.

[@TheGodfearingyouth]

That piano riff in “it’s a jungle out there” is so sick

[@helloxonsfan]

Loved everything about this concert...

[@bigbro44]

One of the greatest songwriters of all time. A gift to the world. Just beautiful.

[@stormbringercoming8105]

Sat in front of him, center stage, at The Birchmere. Easily one of the best shows I’ve seen. When he got to Wandering Boy, I was blubbering like a little girl. Seeing Randy perform was a personal joy.

[@TheJakobe00]

"She Chose Me" ... wow that hit somewhere profoundly deep

[@gaberealbass]

I remember getting a box set of Randy Newman when I was in highschool and just falling in love with it... such a genius song-smith and his voice is so distinct and brilliant!

[@brucedenis71]

There is no measuring effortless talent like that. This is sublime.

[@jimsonnenberg1221]

I was 11 yrs old when Short People came out and it immediately resonated with me-the music, the humor, his voice. Couldn’t understand how people completely missed the msg of that song. I said to myself, “That guy.” He’s my fav songwriter and 2nd only to Steely Dan in my collection.

[@shotavodka]

Fucking brilliant. You got a fan in me, Randy Newman.

[@MichaelBWhiteMusic]

My god man...wandering boy...so much simple and beautiful story telling, tucked up like a blanket under the chin of a sleeping boy, all accomplished with impossibly lovely melody and cord changes. Thank you for doubtless weeping when you wrote it, and reminding all of us of our shared humanity as we listen. My god man.

[@honiheart9911]

if this doesn't make you want to work at npr idk what will

[@benfriedman2330]

@Ennward H you sad sad person