David Fathead Newman

David "Fathead" Newman Jr. of Tanglewood Rd., West Hurley died Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at Kingston Hospital. He was 75. He was born February 24, 1933 in Corsicana, TX the son of the late Davis and Louis Kavanaugh Newman. He received a scholarship to Jarvis Christian College where he studied theology and music. He left after two years to play on the road, touring Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and sometimes California. On one of the trips, he met Ray Charles. In 1954, he began a twelve year association with the Ray Charles Band, beginning as the baritone player and soon became the tenor soloist. In 1959, he recorded his first album as a leader, entitled "Fathead: Ray Charles Presents 'Fathead'" on Atlantic records. It included his famous rendition of "Hard Times". He also recorded for Warner Brothers, Prestige, Muse, Kokopelli labels. As a studio musician, he recorded with Herbie Mann, Aretha Franklin, Hank Crawford and Aaron Neville to name a few. He appeared on many television shows including Saturday Nite live, David Sanborn's Night Music, David Letterman. Surviving is his wife of 28 years, Karen Goldstein Newman; four sons, Terry Walker of Las Vegas, NV; Andre Newman of Falls Church, VA; Cadino Newman and Benji Newman both of Dallas, TX; his father-in-law Izzy Goldstein of Monroe Township, NJ. Eight grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren also survive. Cremation was private in Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery. To learn more about David, please go to his website, www.davidfatheadnewman.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the jazz musicians emergency fund at the Jazz Foundation of America, 322 West 48th. St., 6th. Floor, New York, NY 10036.