A Few Words in Defense of Our Country: The Biography of Randy Newman

Robert Hilburn's A Few Words in Defense of Our Country finally delivers the definitive biography that Randy Newman, one of America's most celebrated songwriters, has long deserved. For those familiar with Newman's work, from the sophisticated melodies and lyrics echoing the Gershwin-Porter era to his sharp and insightful cultural commentary admired by the likes of Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, this book offers a long-awaited exploration of the man behind the music. While millions recognise his tender "You've Got a Friend in Me" from Toy Story, Hilburn illuminates the core of Newman's legacy: his unflinching songs detailing the injustices of American society, from racism to class inequality. Rolling Stone's assertion that a single Newman song, "Sail Away," speaks volumes about America underscores the importance of understanding the context behind his artistry.

Veteran music journalist Robert Hilburn, who has known Newman since his early days at the Troubadour in 1970, draws upon a decades-long connection and unprecedented access to the notoriously private songwriter, his archives, family, friends, and collaborators. This deeply personal connection allows Hilburn to paint a nuanced portrait of Newman, delving into his formative childhood and the influential musical family that shaped Hollywood movie scores for generations. The book also explores the personal relationships that have inspired his often poignant and satirical songwriting, offering a comprehensive understanding of his creative process.

More than just a chronicle of a prolific and multifaceted career, A Few Words in Defense of Our Country is a thought-provoking, thoroughly researched, and tender tribute to a legendary artist whose music has consistently reflected and challenged the America we know. Hilburn's insightful narrative promises to be an essential read for longtime fans and those newly discovering the depth and brilliance of Randy Newman's work.

"[A] penetrating biography . . . While the book posits Newman as a writer of sociopolitical import, its emotional narrative is driven by the more personal aspects of his story: a complex family legacy, childhood struggles with strabismus (crossed eyes) and a lifelong tendency toward sadness and isolation," - Bob Mehr, New York Times

"An illuminating and masterful achievement" - Booklist

"Randy Newman is our great master of American song and storytelling" - Bruce Springsteen

"At last, the biography that Randy Newman has long deserved. The emotional precision, the humour and sweep, the truths and secrets behind his remarkable body of work . . . it's all here in Robert Hilburn's heartfelt and indispensable account of America's finest songwriter. Leave it to Hilburn to pull back the curtain on the incredible life of Newman, a shy genius who clearly trusted him enough to point him in all the right directions. It's more than a great read, it's an invitation to re-visit Randy Newman's work with renewed appreciation for the man who uniquely defined the American Experience just when we needed it most" - Cameron Crowe