Anecdotes

In March 2002, Newman finally won his first Academy Award for writing the Best Song in Monstres, Inc. (2001). In his acceptance speech, he thanked the music branch of the academy for giving him all those chances "to be humiliated".

On February 12, 2002, he broke the all-time record for most Oscar nominations without any wins (the previous record was 15; Newman got two nominations for Monstres, Inc. (2001) and succeeded to 16). (This record has been surpassed. As of March 2011, sound re-recording mixer Kevin O'Connell has 20 nominations but not a single Oscar.).

Beside being a composer of film music and pop/rock songs, Newman is also is a singer and piano player. Many popular musicians made his songs more famous by doing their own versions: Joe Cocker sang "Guilty", Tom Jones sang "You Can Leave Your Hat On", Three Dog Night covered "Mama Told Me Not to Come", etc.

As a child, he was invited by a girl to a country club cotillion, but was subsequently asked not to come by the girl's father, who told him that no Jews were allowed at their club. After hanging up the phone, Newman had to go and ask his father what a Jew was.

Nephew of composers Alfred Newman, Emil Newman and Lionel Newman.

Attended the University of California, Los Angeles, but dropped out.

His song "I Love L.A." is played by the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium after every home game victory. It was also played after the Dodgers lost in the final 2004 Playoff game against the Saint Louis Cardinals, prompting many of the Dodger fans who remained in the park to sing along while a year's worth of highlights were shown.

Was born in Los Angeles, California. A week after his birth, Randy's family moved to New Orleans, Louisiana (his mother's hometown). At age 11, he moved with his family back to Los Angeles.

Attended and graduated from University High School in Los Angeles, California.

Suffered from Epstein-Barr Syndrome 1987-1989.

He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6667 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California on June 2, 2010.

ABC-TV's promo jingle "You'll Love It!" used during the 1985-1986 season, was derived from his song "I Love L.A.".

Cousins of Thomas Newman, Joey Newman, Maria Newman, David Newman and Tim Newman.

Inducted into the American Songwriters Hall of Fame (2002) and the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame (2011).

He endorsed Democratic President Barack Obama for re-election in 2012, and wrote a satirical song about voting for white candidates.

Began his career writing pop songs.

Aspires to be portrayed or spoofed in Les Simpsons (1989). In fact he was, in Angry Dad: The Movie (2011).

Mentioned in the song "Life Is a Rock But the Radio Rolled Me" by Reunion.

At 2:26 in his music video for "I Love L.A." when he sings "look at that mountain" it shows the Matterhorn at Disneyland with a monorail train passing by. He later wrote and performed many songs for Pixar which is owned by the Disney company.