David "Fathead" Newman, 75, the saxophonist who made important musical contributions to the early career of Ray Charles and later recorded with artists including pop singer Natalie Cole and jazz flutist Herbie Mann, died Jan. 20 at a hospital in Kingston, N.Y. He had pancreatic cancer.Newman was often characterized by his bluesy, piercing style of sax and tender, lyrical quality to ballads.
Starting in the late 1960s, his skill on several instruments, including the entire saxophone family as well as the flute, put him in demand in recording sessions featuring Aretha Franklin, B.B. King, Dr. John, King Curtis and Herbie Mann. He was featured on Cole's hit album "Unforgettable" (1991).
Newman toured with Ray Charles from 1954 to 1964 and recorded the first of several jazz albums under his own name. The Charles horn section, of which Mr. Newman was a vital part, laid the groundwork for the fusion of blues, swing and gospel that came to be known as soul.
His high school music teacher nicknamed him Fathead supposedly because of his lack of skill in reading music. One of the many versions of the story was that Newman attempted to read a John Philip Sousa march from an upside-down score.
Survivors include his wife of 28 years, Karen, who also served as his manager; four sons; and three grandchildren, one of whom is Esther Newman, a student here at The George Washington University. The music of David "Fathead" Newman was recently featured on WRGW's "Brass Bonanza" along with special guest Esther Newman.
-Joe Lewis
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