Randy Newman to Perform with Kansas City Symphony in June

Even if you don't know the name Randy Newman, there's a good chance you know his music.

Best known for his Oscar-nominated theme song, "You've Got a Friend in Me," from the Pixar animated classic "Toy Story," the singer, songwriter, pianist and composer will perform alongside the Kansas City Symphony at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10 in Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

Newman's music has delighted audiences for multiple decades. His songs have run the gamut from heartbreaking to satirical and a host of unforgettable film scores, including "Ragtime," "Awakenings," "The Natural," "James and the Giant Peach," "Meet the Parents," "Seabiscuit" and "The Princess and the Frog." Additionally, he has scored seven Disney-Pixar films, including "Toy Story," "A Bug's Life," "Toy Story 2," "Monsters, Inc.," "Cars," "Toy Story 3," and most recently, "Monsters University."

Beyond film scores, Newman also has an extensive discography, which includes top hits such as, "Sail Away" (from "Sail Away" 1972), "Short People" (from "Little Criminals" 1977), "I Love L.A." (from "Trouble in Paradise" 1983) and "It's Lonely at the Top" (from "Randy Newman Live").

Over the course of his career, Newman has accumulated prestigious honors including six Grammys, three Emmys and two Academy Awards as well as a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Songwriters Hall of Fame inducted him in 2002 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted him in 2013. He also is a Disney Legend Award recipient. Most recently, Newman was presented with a PEN New England Song Lyrics of Literary Excellence Award in June 2014.

Tickets range $49-$89. Starting 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, tickets can be purchased at kcsymphony.org or by calling the Kansas City Symphony Box Office at (816) 471-0400.

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