'Oh It's Lonely At The Top'! That was one of his most subtle hits. Next to: 'Short People', 'Mama Told Me Not To Come', 'You Can Leave Your Hat On', 'Rider In The Rain', 'Naked Man', 'Simon Smith And The Amazing Dancing Bear', 'Rednecks', 'Birmingham', 'Sail Away'... of course. But there are also innumerable soundtracks, including the likes of Ragtime and - children, take note - Toy Story, A Bug's Life, Monsters...

This American star-satirist, singer and pianist hasn't played the (then full) AB since February 2000. This is a musical must for those who love playful English, dry humour and effervescent piano playing. Randy Newman can quite happily limit himself to his very own extensive oeuvre and knows how to entertain like the best of them. So its not strange to note that he's the child of an entire family of Hollywood musicians. Not yet convinced? Did you know that he has also been successfully covered by Alan Price, Three Dog Night and of course Joe Cocker! Hat's off!