A Few Words in Defense of Our Country

The Biography of Randy Newman

By: Robert Hilburn

Narrated by: Rob Hilburn Jr.

Length: 12 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

The definitive biography of songwriter Randy Newman, told with his full cooperation, by acclaimed biographer and longtime Los Angeles Times music critic, Robert Hilburn

Randy Newman is widely hailed as one of America’s all-time greatest songwriters, equally skilled in the sophisticated melodies and lyrics of the Gershwin-Porter era and the cultural commentary of his own generation, with Bob Dylan and Paul Simon among his most ardent admirers. While tens of millions around the world can hum “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” his disarming centerpiece for Toy Story, most of them would be astonished to learn that the heart of Newman’s legacy is in the dozens of brilliant songs that detail the injustices, from racism to class inequality, that have contributed to the division of our nation. Rolling Stone declared that a single Newman song, “Sail Away,” tells us more about America than “The Star-Spangled Banner.” And yet, his legacy remains largely undocumented in book form—until now.

In A FEW WORDS IN DEFENSE OF OUR COUNTRY, veteran music journalist Robert Hilburn presents the definitive portrait of an American legend. Hilburn has known Newman since his club debut at the Troubadour in 1970, and the two have maintained a connection in the decades since, conversing over the course of times good and bad. Though Newman has long refused to talk with potential biographers, he now gives Hilburn unprecedented access not only to himself but also to his archives, as well as his family, friends, and collaborators. Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, John Williams, Linda Ronstadt, Don Henley, Bonnie Raitt, Chuck D, James Taylor, and New York Times’ Pulitzer-winning columnists, Thomas Friedman and Wesley Morris, among others, contributed to the book. In addition to exploring Newman’s prolific career and the evolution of his songwriting, A FEW WORDS IN DEFENSE OF OUR COUNTRY also dives into his childhood and early influences, his musical family that ruled Hollywood movie scores for decades, the relationships that have provided inspiration for his songs, and so much more.

As thought-provoking and thorough as it is tender, this book is an overdue tribute to the legendary songwriter whose music has long reflected and challenged the America we know today.

©2024 Robert Hilburn (P)2024 Hachette Books

Critic reviews

“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 humor 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

“A Few Words in Defense of Our Country is a strong and invaluable book. The title is perfect, and expands and deepens as the story goes on, and Randy's commitment to artistic citizenship, and Robert Hilburn's pursuit of the theme, give the book great weight. The argument powering Newman’s work is that defending your country means criticizing it, living in it as it really is, demanding that the country live up to its promises while acknowledging its betrayals.”—Greil Marcus, author of "Mystery Train" and "Lipstick Traces"

“Robert Hilburn presents Randy Newman front and center as an American treasure, a political lightning bolt and one of the finest songwriters of his generation. Like all of Hilburn’s biographies it is addictive and utterly definitive, an intoxicating blend of scrupulously researched detail and unearthed treasures.”—Bernie Taupin, Gershwin Award-winning lyricist and New York Times bestselling author of "Scattershot"

“Every time I go to Disneyland and hear Randy Newman’s fanfare that announces the thrill-ride of the “Cars” ride, I marvel at his genius for infiltration.
Robert Hilburn’s book makes a very good case for Newman being the composer of two or three songs that might serve as the national anthem of a more curious and a less vainglorious America. Some of those songs are heartbreaking and chilling, others are just flat out funny.”—Elvis Costello

An Amazing Man, An Amazing Story

Randy Newman is the voice of many of us who love and admire him. There is so much to like about this book; I loved hearing the backstory of Mr. Newman's life and songs. I was surprised the Lafayette Louisiana concert was mentioned; I grew up there worked the venue, and passed him as he walked onto the stage. I loved this book.

Getting his due

Randy is a true American Master who deserves to be regarded more highly, and this book helps that happen!

Not my favorite narrator

Much respect for Hilburn Sr. But I wish I’d just read on Kindke. Rob’s voice is not unpleasant. But hours of him mimicking Newman’s accent while quoting lyrics got very tiresome.