Composer Spotlights

Composer Spotlight: Thomas Newman

Thomas Newman has remained one of my favorite composers for years—an artist I discovered long ago and have followed devotedly ever since. I’ve spent countless hours listening to his music, and he consistently appears in my top 5 on Apple Music’s year-end wrap-up. What draws me to Newman is his remarkable ability to blend deep emotion into his compositions without ever making them feel saccharine or overly sentimental.

While John Williams may be the more household name in film scoring, Thomas Newman is equally extraordinary. Interestingly, these two masters share a meaningful connection: Newman’s father, Alfred Newman (himself a legendary composer), gave John Williams some of his first opportunities in Hollywood. Years later, Williams returned the favor by helping Thomas Newman gain early experience after film school. In an industry often stereotyped as cutthroat, this mentorship between generations offers a refreshing reminder of the collaborative spirit that can exist in filmmaking.

My favorite tracks primarily come from Newman’s earlier work. “Burdens” from Little Women showcases his delicate touch with intimate moments, while The Shawshank Redemption features some of his most memorable compositions—”Zihuatanejo,” “So Was Red,” and the soaring “End Title” demonstrate his range from introspection to hope. But if I had to choose one song to listen to for the rest of my life, it would be “Haiku”—a piece so perfectly crafted that it never loses its magic, no matter how many times I hear it.

What truly impresses me about Newman is his massive and diverse discography. His soundtrack scope spans from the sophisticated espionage thrills of James Bond films to the whimsical underwater world of Finding Nemo, from the existential drama of Meet Joe Black to the vibrant emotions of Pixar’s Elemental. This versatility, combined with his distinctive musical voice, makes Thomas Newman a composer whose work consistently elevates the films he scores.

What is your favorite soundtrack?