Randy Newman has worked as a film composer since the 1980s and has starred in 10 Disney films so far, including the Toy Story, Monsters Inc, and Cars films.

Newman has been a professional songwriter since he was 17, and since then has worked with names such as The Fleetwoods, Tom Odell, and even Dusty Springfield.

The Time of Your Life – A Bug’s Life

He’s won a multitude of awards for 11 of his Pixar songs, as well as for other films he’s worked on such as Meet the Parents and Meet The Fockers. In total, Newman has received 20 Academy Award nominations with two wins, both for Best Original Song. While accepting the award for “We Belong Together” in 2011, he joked “my percentages aren’t great” as he has currently been nominated for 122 awards and won only 42.

He managed to receive 15 Oscar nominations in a row without winning any until winning Best Original Song with Monsters Inc’s ‘If I Didn’t Have You’ in 2001. After receiving a standing ovation, a bemused but emotional Newman began his acceptance speech with “I don’t want your pity!” When the orchestra began playing the underscore signifying that the speaker’s time on stage is concluding, Newman ordered them to stop before thanking “all these musicians, many of whom have worked for me a number of times and may not again.”

If I Didn’t Have You – Monsters Inc

In 2007, Newman was inducted as a ‘Disney Legend’ and it’s not hard to see why. He has shaped many of our childhoods with his iconic music known around the world. There can’t be a person in the world who doesn’t know ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me’. And if there is, show them this post now!

Randy Newman, we wouldn’t have nothing if we didn’t have you…

You’ve Got a Friend in Me – Toy Story