Jazz Great David "Fathead " Newman Dies 1933-2009

Jazz great David "Fathead "Newman passed away on January 20 ,2009 .Newman was a member of the Ray Charles band in the 50's and 60's ."Fathead" as he was affectionately called passed away from the effects of pancreatic cancer .Newman was 75 years old .
"Fathead" was born February 24,1933 in Corsicana,Texas.He soon moved with his family to Dallas, Texas where he graduated from Lincoln High School. Newman furthered his studies at Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins,Texas where studied music and theology. Newman met Ray Charles in 1954 and began a twelve year association with Charles as his tenor saxophone player. In 1959 Charles was instrumental in debuting Newman's debut album,” Ray Charles Presents David Newman "which included the classic Newman standard "Hard Times". Newman’s' latest album "Diamondhead" was released in 2008.
Newman was scheduled to play later this month at the University of Texas @Dallas Jazz Festival on January 30 ,2009. David "Fathead" Newman a jazz great , David "Fathead" Newman a Dallas legend.