Randy Newman is considered one of America's most treasured songwriters. At age 17 he began writing songs, and in 1968 he was signed to Reprise Records. Throughout his career, he has been recognized with four Grammy awards, one Academy Award and an additional sixteen Academy Award nominations for Best Original Song, Soundtrack, Instrumental and Score. He is perhaps best known for his film scores which include The Natural, A Bug's Life, James and the Giant Peach, Avalon, Parenthood, Meet the Parents, Seabiscuit, Toy Story, Toy Story 2, Monsters, Inc., Pleasantville and Ragtime. Among his industry accolades are Billboard magazine's Century Award (2000) and The Recording Academy's Governor's Award (2003). Mr. Newman was also honored with the 2003 Magnum Opus Award at the Thornton School's Charles Dickens Dinner.