Fans of Randy Newman can rejoice with the founding of a Randy Newman fan club. The newest group at Grand Valley State University is just one of the many college chapters popping up across the country.

President and GVSU chapter co-founder Nick Fasse explained the origin of the group.

“I was a fan of Randy Newman ever since he did the music for Toy Story,” Fasse said. “When I heard that MSU had started a fan club for him, I knew it was something people could get behind over here.”

With 58 members after only two meetings, the club has gained quite the following.

“We really picked up steam after [Newman] won at the Academy Awards this year,” said Vice President Eric Akferd.

Akferd referenced Newman’s acceptance speech, which occurred not long after his performance of “We Belong Together” from Toy Story 3. He took home the Oscar for the same song.

Newman stormed the stage, clearly intoxicated, and accepted the award on behalf of himself. Newman began to discuss using the profits from scoring childrens’ movies to buy various illegal substances. Just as the music began to play, signaling a wrap-up, Newman stopped mid-sentence. He froze for ten seconds, and then tossed the microphone down, yelling, “Newman, out!” before shuffling off-stage.

Fasse said that the whole ordeal did not take away from his admiration for the singer/songwriter.

“For the man to do that, at such a prestigious event… You don’t have many artists acting like artists anymore,” he said. “It was so honest.”

A recent Newmanite (member of the club), Natalie Spillim, found the group through one of the club’s many advertising campaigns. “They showed up one night at this bar I was at and told the DJ to play ‘You’ve Got a Friend In Me.’” Spillim said. “He wouldn’t play the song because he said everyone would leave, but it was too late. I knew I had to be in this club.”

During meetings, activities include listening to Randy Newman albums, talking about Randy Newman history, and discussing what goes into writing a Randy Newman song.

Currently, the group is fundraising in attempt to bring the performer to GVSU next fall.

“We’ve been doing pop can drives and will start doing car washes when it warms up,” Akferd said. “But it won’t be enough. His fee is pretty big, so we’re really looking for contributions from other students who are just as enthusiastic as we are about Randy Newman. It’s money that matters.”

Expect to see the Randy Newman club around campus soon, in hopes of raising awareness. They will be advertising in Kirkhof every Wednesday.

“Everyone is welcome to join our group,” Fasse said. “Except short people.”

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