Biography
David 'Fathead' Newman was born on February 24, 1933, in Corsicana, Texas. His family moved to Dallas, where he grew up listening to jazz legends like Louis Armstrong and Count Basie. Newman began playing piano but switched to saxophone at age ten. He attended Lincoln High School and later received a scholarship to Jarvis Christian College, studying theology and music. After college, he toured with Henry 'Buster' Smith, which led to his meeting Ray Charles. Newman joined Charles's band in 1954, initially playing baritone saxophone before becoming the star tenor soloist. His debut album, Fathead: Ray Charles Presents David Fathead Newman, was released in 1959. Newman's career spanned multiple genres, including hard bop, bebop, and soul jazz, with collaborations with renowned artists like Herbie Mann and Dr. John. He was known for his unique style that blended different musical genres, earning him the respect of his peers and the title of 'musician's musician.' Newman passed away on January 20, 2009, leaving behind a legacy of rich musical contributions. His work continued to inspire new audiences, especially after the film Ray in 2004, which highlighted his contributions to Ray Charles's band.
Fun Facts
- Newman received his nickname 'Fathead' during his time at Lincoln High School.
- He was praised by Ray Charles for his intelligence and musical versatility, with Charles affectionately calling him 'Brains'.
- Newman's work with Herbie Mann included performances at the Newport Jazz Festival and Yankee Stadium.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Ray Charles - mentor and band leader (Ray Charles Band) [1954-1966, early 1970s]
- Henry 'Buster' Smith - early mentor and band leader (Buster Smith's band) [early career]
Key Collaborators
- Herbie Mann - co-band leader (Herbie Mann's band) [1970s]
- Dr. John - collaborator and friend (various projects) [1990s]
- Aretha Franklin - studio musician (Aretha Franklin's 'Respect') [1960s]
Artists Influenced
- Various contemporary jazz musicians - inspiration through his unique style (various albums) [ongoing]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Ray Charles Presents David Newman - Fathead | 2003-10-21 | Album |
| Return To The Wide Open Spaces | 2025-04-11 | Album |
| Enter the Mowo! | 2004 | Album |
| Lonely Avenue | 2005-04-19 | Album |
| Bye 'N' Bye | 2018-09-06 | Album |
| Debussy, Stravinsky & Newman: Piano Works | 2013-10-01 | Album |
| The Blessing | 2009-05-05 | Album |
| I Remember Brother Ray | 2005-01-04 | Album |
| Captain Buckles | 2000-01-26 | Album |
| The Soulful Mr. Newman | 2011-09-20 | Album |
| Newmanism | 2005-05-24 | Album |
| The Best Of David Newman | 2005-05-24 | Album |
| Straight Ahead | 1999-09-13 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Hard Times - Remaster (Ray Charles Presents David Newman - Fathead)
- Everything Must Change
- Hard Times (Ray Charles Essentials: The Greatest Feel Good Jazz and Soul Hits)
- Willow Weep for Me - Remaster (Ray Charles Presents David Newman - Fathead)
- Buster's Tune (Return To The Wide Open Spaces)
- Things Ain't What They Used To Be (Return To The Wide Open Spaces)
- Introduction (Return To The Wide Open Spaces)
- These Foolish Things (Return To The Wide Open Spaces)
- When Your Lover Has Gone (Bye 'N' Bye)
- Hard Times (Return To The Wide Open Spaces)
External Links
Heard on WWOZ
david fathead newman has been played 10 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 31, 2025 | 16:20 | fatheadfrom ray charles presents david | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Al Colón | |
| Dec 11, 2025 | 21:52 | tin tin deo. | R&Bw/ Your Cousin Dimitri | |
| Dec 11, 2025 | 21:30 | mean to me. | R&Bw/ Your Cousin Dimitri | |
| Dec 11, 2025 | 21:00 | fathead. | R&Bw/ Your Cousin Dimitri | |
| Dec 11, 2025 | 20:36 | bill for bennie | R&Bw/ Your Cousin Dimitri | |
| Dec 11, 2025 | 20:08 | willow weep for me. | R&Bw/ Your Cousin Dimitri | |
| Dec 11, 2025 | 19:41 | weird beard | R&Bw/ Your Cousin Dimitri | |
| Dec 11, 2025 | 19:16 | hard times, | R&Bw/ Your Cousin Dimitri | |
| Oct 15, 2025 | 17:13 | fatheadfrom house of david | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Al Colón | |
| Oct 8, 2025 | 15:48 | hard times | Sittin' at the Crossroadw/ Big D |