David 'Fathead' Newman, a saxophone player and esteemed jazz musician died Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at the age of 76. David Newman was born in Corsicana, Texas on February 24, 1933. Newman graduated from a high school in Dallas and went on to Jarvis Christian College where he studied theology and music.
After two years of college, Newman began touring with Buster Smith around Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and California. It was on one of these tours that Newman met Ray Charles, and they quickly developed both a friendship and a professional relationship. In 1954, Newman signed on to Ray Charles' band, a decision that led to a twelve- year association as a baritone player, and later a star tenor soloist.
Newman with Hank Crawford in Ray Charles' Band, 1960
Five years later, Newman recorded his first album as the lead entitled, "Fathead: Ray Charles Presents 'Fathead'" on Atlantic records, which included Newman's famous rendition of Hard Times.
After moving to New York, Newman recorded albums for Atlantic records, Warner Brothers, and Prestige. He also gigged with famous jazz musicians such as Lee Morgan, Kenny Drew Sr., Billy Higgins, and Kenny Dorham.
Eventually, Newman formed up with a quartet and led tours around Europe and Japan.
During this time, Newman was also working on recording projects with musicians like Herbie Mann, Aretha Franklin, Hank Crawford, and Aaron Neville. Because of these in-studio endeavors, Newman eventually formed a band with Herbie Mann and Cal Tjader (later Roy Ayres), during "The Family of Mann" era.
In 1980 Newman began to pursue music that would demonstrate his own musical identity, and introduced several mainstream jazz albums for the Muse label. For these more personal albums Newman enlisted the help of New York artists like Cedar Walton, Jimmy Cobb, Buster Williams, and Louis Hayes.
During the 80's Newman also worked on a tribute album to Duke Ellington, titled Mr. Gentle, Mr. Cool.
The late nineties brought Newman six successful CDs. The most recent, I Remember Brother Ray, was released in January 2005 and became the #1 Most Played Jazz Album nationwide.
David Newman has appeared on many television shows including Saturday Night Live, David Sanborn's Night Music, David Letterman, and various featured news segments. David appeared in Robert Altman's film Kansas City and did a national tour with the Kansas City Orchestra, for Verve Records.
To learn more about David 'Fathead' Newman; his music, his life, and his legacy, visit his Web site: CLICK HERE.
To check out a video of Newman, just look below.
