Robert Hilburn & Bernie Taupin on Randy Newman | Moderated by Randy Lewis

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Everyone- no matter what generation you might be-- has a Randy Newman song about to tumble out, depending on your mood. Feel like the haunting melody and profound lyrics of Sail Away, or its flip side, the satirical laugh-out-loud Political Science? Or how about the immortal theme from Toy Story, You've Got a Friend in Me? Or Short People? Or our local anthem, I Love LA! Randy Newman has written countless songs that have become part of our national identity, and those songs cover an infinite variety of subjects and emotions, from social justice on any number of issues, inequality, to hilarious satire that ring as true right now as they did a few decades ago.

Robert Hilburn, the legendary former rock critic for the Los Angeles Times, understands and appreciates the depth of Randy Newman's creativity and genius-- and his commitment to writing about social and political issues. In his new book, A Few Words in Defense of Our Country: The Biography of Randy Newman, Robert conducts extensive interviews with Randy Newman, his inner and outer circles, and discussed Newman with other iconic songwriters of our time, including James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, and so many more. This is an honest and wonderful biography of one of our great cultural touchstones.

In conversation with another iconic figure in music: Bernie Taupin. Bernie Taupin is the lyricist for Elton John, and a member of one of the most wildly successful partnerships in contemporary music. He is also the author of a bestselling memoir, Scattershot: Life, Music, Elton, and Me.

Former Los Angeles Times reporter and rock critic Randy Lewis will chat with Robert and Bernie about music and Randy Newman.

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