Texas tenor man David “Fathead” Newman, whose music career spanned more than half a century, died Tuesday of pancreatic cancer. He was 75.Newman spent a decade performing with Ray Charles during Mr. Charles’s magnificent prime. (Bokeem Woodbine portrayed him in the movie “Ray.”)
As a solo artist, Newman maintained a prolific output. His latest album, “Diamondhead,” was released a year ago.
I am streaming two tracks on my Vox blog in Mr. Newman’s honor.
Click here to hear his classic rendition of “Hard Times,” from the 1958 album “Fathead: Ray Charles Presents David ‘Fathead’ Newman.” (Ray plays piano on this cut.)
Then click here for “Georgia On My Mind,” from Newman’s 2005 CD “I Remember Brother Ray.”
2 comments:
No comments here after 24 hours? That's just wrong for a man who gave so much. So: God bless you, David "F" Newman. Thanks for your gifts, and rest in peace.
Guilty and you're so right estiv. Here's a quote from a Net friend of mine about Fathead:
"No matter what you heard on wax, you don't realize what a monster sax players Fathead (or Hank) were until you think about the fact that Bro. Ray was a sax player BEFORE he played keys and was even more demanding of them that the rest of the band (and Ray ran MANY musicians off....)
I knew or knew of a couple of guys who had played with Ray and one who had played with Albert or Freddie King.......and all felt that going to 'Nam with a slingshot would have been a safer career move and a helluva lot easier to succeed at."
From my main man 1Wicked.
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