Newton Pond McLean

Newton Pond McLean, 73, of Memphis, Tennessee, passed away peacefully Sunday afternoon after a long illness. Newton was the youngest of five children and displayed an early aptitude for music that would shape his life. He grew up in Midtown Memphis and attended Snowden School and Central High School. He graduated from Southwestern at Memphis (now Rhodes College) with a Bachelor of Arts in History. He was a member of the Southwestern Singers. His history professor encouraged him to pursue graduate studies in history, but Newton was intent on pursuing his interests in music. Newton was a talented musician who loved playing guitar. During his college years he was a member of the local band J.S. Buzz (originally known as Jeep), which played regularly at Procape Garden, a popular Overton Square restaurant and bar. In June 1975, Walter Dawson, music critic of The Commercial Appeal, penned that the band gave "verve and depth" to popular songs by Bob Dylan, Leon Russell, Elton John, The Beatles, and The Lovin' Spoonful, as well as Memphian Jesse Winchester. The band also sang original tunes, including "Love as an Afterthought" written by Newton, which Dawson described as "a very thawing love song, even for the coldest heart." Newton later moved to Athens, Georgia, with his girlfriend and managed a popular seafood restaurant there known as Sparky's. He also played nights at Athens venues, including Uptown Lounge and the Georgia Theatre, performing with local bands The Healers and Neal Pattman Blues Band. Newton grew tired of the Athens scene in the late 1990s and moved back to Memphis, where he took trade school courses in electricity and servicing HVAC equipment. Not long thereafter he took on the responsibility of running the household for his father and looking after him in his later years. Newton remained in Memphis following his father's death, living in the same Midtown house where he grew up. His guitar was never far from reach, and he was proud to pick it up and show family members the latest tune he was working on. He is preceded in death by his brother, Michael S. McLean (and wife, Patricia) of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and leaves his brothers, Robert A. McLean (and wife Sydney) of Germantown and Albert G. McLean (and wife Ann) of Collierville, and his sister, Harriet S. McLean, of Roswell, Georgia, 15 nieces and nephews, 15 grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and one great grand-nephew. There will be a Celebration of Life for Newton at his home on October 18, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. RSVPs to Harriet McLean would be appreciated.