Singer/songwriter/composer Randy Newman has always been one of New Orleans’ favorite adopted sons, thanks to rich Louisiana-informed songs like "Dixie Flyer," "New Orleans Wins the War," "Louisiana 1927" and "Kingfish." Newman is a native of the other LA—Los Angeles—but spent his childhood summers in New Orleans, and developed a fascination with the Crescent City’s music, culture and politics.

Songwriting and composing is in his bl...