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David Newman Obituary
Newman played and recorded with a wide range of jazz and soul luminaries, such as Herbie Mann, Aretha Franklin and Aaron Neville. He also led a successful solo career.
He was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1990 for his work with Art Blakey and Dr. John.
His wife and manager Karen Newman says the jazz musician died Tuesday of pancreatic cancer in a Kingston, N.Y., hospital.
According to his Web site, Newman spent 12 years with the Ray Charles Band beginning in 1954. He began as the baritone sax player and became the star tenor sax soloist.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press
42 Entries
April 23, 2014
What a Tone! So beautiful and warm. Loved his spirit. He will be remembered and studied for a long time to come.
My condolences to all his family and friends.
Becky Friend (musician)
Hello from Oak Cliff
Diamond Rosswell
February 13, 2011
Hello Mrs. Newman and family: I just want to say God Bless you to and the family. I went to school here in Cedar Crest, Oak Cliff area with Dino. Well I'm enjoying the tribute to DFN on KKDA 73am with Rodger Boykin. I like Mr. Newman's style of jazz, especially Skylark and the one with Queen Latifah.
I now sing Gospel, Jazz and other genres myself also. Tell Dino to write me at: [email protected]. 77' FDR
Anna
September 1, 2010
What a loss, He made such beautiful music and will be missed. To the family, you have my deepest sympathy. Acts 24:15
How you can show support
April 1, 2010
For David...As you played with
the Ray Charles Band, you marked
your most memorable place in
jazz history.
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
EUSTIS GUILLEMET
September 10, 2009
SEEING AND HEARING 'FATHEAD' IN CHICAGO THE NEW YEAR BEFORE HE DIED WAS GOD SENT. KAREN GET IN TOUCH WITH ME. EUSTIS 504 609 8686 OR [email protected]
B.A.
August 6, 2009
Many of us will remember and miss his Masterpiece!
John 11:25 - "I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he even though he dies, will come to life."
March 16, 2009
Mr.Newman you will be missed. But we will never forget the impact that you and your music made.For you can rest now.BLESS YOU
MRS.S.LIVE/Bradenton,fl.
carol v
February 13, 2009
the world has lost a wonderful jazz player - he has joined a new band now and will forever play his music.
Evangelist Mary Bradley
February 3, 2009
I attended the Jazz program @ St James Episcopal Church in November 2008. Mr. Newman gave a superb performance. It is rare to meet such an accomplished individual.I am grateful to have shook his hand and hear his music. Mr. Newman has finished his race with grace and left his mark on the world. He appeared to be a most humble man. I am glad to have had an opportunity to meet him. To those who remain, may his legacy live on in your hearts and thoughts. May our God provide you with the spiritual comforts to see you thru the days ahead. God be with you all.
Ben
January 29, 2009
David you will be missed.
Robert PICCOLO
January 29, 2009
David, '' mon ami '', for almost 40 years... After Blue (Mitchell) in 1979, Ray in 2004, David has gone...
David was a part of me, he helped my building. His wonderful smile, his bright eyes, his tender voice are still there. Who has ever heard his fantastic sound either at tenor saxophone or flute has missed the message of a prophet ! Love to Karen, sweet thoughts to his family and his musician friend as Marcus, John,Yoron ...
BILAL SALAAM
January 28, 2009
David Newman was a fantastic musician. I had the pleasure of meeting him when he celebrated his 75th birthday last year at the Iridium Jazz club in NYC. He had a group of legendary jazz giants as guests. See my website for photos: www.bilalphoto.com. It was a real smoker. David will be missed.
Afrikan Queen
January 27, 2009
Music, when soft voices die
Music, when soft voices die,
Vibrates in the memory—
Odours, when sweet violets sicken,
Live within the sense they quicken.
Rose leaves, when the rose is dead,
Are heaped for the beloved's bed;
And so thy thoughts, when thou art gone,
Love itself shall slumber on.
By Percy Bysshe Shelley
The Poetry Foundation
Richard Riley
January 27, 2009
Oye, the best Saxman ever. I will Light some Incense and candles, say a prayer. Play on Brother , Play on.
Annette Cole
January 27, 2009
His horn may be silent, but his music will live on for generations to come. May God bless his legacy and comfort his family during their time of grief.
Gordon Fischer
January 26, 2009
Thanks for bringing David to the Kaslo Jazz fest from the Front Money guy on the beach. Our thoughts are with you
Gord Fischer
Trail B.C.
Jonah
January 26, 2009
Amazing muscian! I heard him perform in 07 at the Syracuse Jazz Fest! Wow was he great! You will be missed Fat Head!
Blake Cullen
January 26, 2009
A great player, and a great gentleman.
Blake Cullen
Jazz On Granby, Norfolk
eileen
January 25, 2009
Dearest Loved Ones, of David, I am truly sorry. I am truly sorry, I feel your pain at this time, I, married to a Musician, now in Paris France, you have suffered a deep loss. I am such a Jazz enthusiast myself, being around this most of my life, so I know what your going thru, those that belong to David, I just want to tho, share with you, how I was conforted, from the Holy Writings. John 5:28,29 speaks of a time, of a Resurrection. oh yes, remember, God promised to Resurrect them, and to a Life free of Sin and Death Revelatin 21:3,4. These words are True. We will get to enjoy them in due time, be sure of that Hope. Take Heart, Take Care and at a day at a time. Respectfully yours, Eileen
Richard Martinez
January 25, 2009
My deepest sympathy and regards go out to my friend Cadino and his family. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you and all of your family.
Candice
January 24, 2009
To the Newman Family:
I would like to send my sincere condolences. It is always good to turn in the bible for comfort. John 5:28, 29 and Revelation 21:4 are just two scriptures that help during times like this. I hope you also draw comfort from it. My prayers are with your family.
A Fan of Jazz
January 24, 2009
Newman Family,
When death separates family members, such great loss is such deep sorrow. God's words give s us comfort and hope.
All those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life.
And He (God) will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.
Bruce Lindsey
January 24, 2009
I enjoyed his music for many years. May God bless.
Bruce Lindsey
C.J. OWENS
January 23, 2009
There is something to be said about the gift of music, and Mr. Newman was no doubt good at expressing himself through it. Our God knows that hearts are sad, and so He gives these words of promise. John 5:28, 29 states "Do not marvel at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out...May his family and friends find great comfort in this promise.
Henryk Zaleski
January 23, 2009
Rest in peace. Thank you for the music, wonderful music.
TONY HOROWITZ
January 23, 2009
David:
It was a pleasure meeting you backstage while I was playing in Ray's band in 1973. It was like you were part of a brotherhood of the band, and made me feel like I was a part of it with you.
Thank you, and rest in peace.
ahmad abdul jabbaar
January 23, 2009
the song of the new man will continue on through his beautiful spirit and extended discography.the thirthteenth floor will always be my favorite fathead composition.proud to call him my homeboy.
shawnie
January 22, 2009
rest in peace a beautiful man with so much talent will be missed here.
Rev. Terence A. (Tony) Farrar
January 22, 2009
I was shocked to hear of the passing of Mr. David "Fathead" Newman. I was a fan of his from my days with another musician of the Ray Charles Era, Mr. Marcus Belgrave. Marcus and I were friends in the 80's in Detriot,MI. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Mr. Newman. I'm sure he will be missed by not only his family but the music world as well.
James Brown
January 22, 2009
Now the laborer’s task is over;
Now the Battle day is past;
Now upon the farther shore
Lands the voyager at last.
It is with great sorrow that we part with "Fathead" on this side of Jordan, but oh what joy when we meet on the other side. When we reach that blessed homeland, Where there's everlasting day; On that bright and blessed morning, God shall wipe all tears away.
Always bear in mind that spirit was never born and spirit can never die. Remember that God gives grace for each trial, and courage for each sorrow and faith to face in confidence a blessed, sweet, blissful and bright tomorrow.
I met David "Fathead" Newman many years ago at a jazz set at the American Woodman Center, in sunny South Dallas. Mr. Newman was always an excellent musician and a perfert gentlemen. Dallas has lost a great musician and citizen. As I go to my Father in prayer, I will ask for a special blessing for the entire Newman Family.
With warm regards,
James Brown, Professor of Fine Arts
Tarrant County College
Ekpe Abioto
January 22, 2009
We had the special opportunity to hear him play in Memphis a little over a year ago. He, Curtis Fuller, and Donald Brown, they sounded beautiful. It was also nice to get to meet and talk with him. Our prayers to the family. He is with the ancestors.
Dale
January 22, 2009
David rest in peace, I hope to hear your saxophone once again. The Lord's flock now has the best "sax man" in town. God Bless David's family
Dan Del Fiorentino
January 22, 2009
He had such a sound, such a tone and such a delivery! I was so pleased to have seen him in concert about 5 years ago, a concert I still think of often with a smile.
Rev Donald Thomas
January 22, 2009
A Luminary Musical Giant has departed. However, thanks to the movie "Ray", a whole new generation of enthusiast has been born. David "Fathead" Newman you are so loved, and will be missed.
Sonja Tanksley
January 22, 2009
Rest in peace my fellow Lincoln Tiger!!
Joseph Wilson
January 22, 2009
Ray needed your "horn."
Anne Franklin
January 22, 2009
I am heartbroken to hear that David is no longer with us. My condolences go out to his family and to all of us who will cherish his beautiful music always.
amber johnson
January 22, 2009
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
D. ZIMMERMAN
January 22, 2009
REST IN PEACE DAVID NEWMAN
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