David “Fathead" Newman was born in Corsicana, Texas on February 24, 1933.
David “Fathead" Newman was born in Corsicana, Texas on February 24, 1933. His family soon moved to Dallas, Texas where they settled and David stayed through graduating Lincoln High School. During his formative years in Dallas, he studied first the piano and then the saxophone. He earned the nickname "Fathead" from his high school band teacher because he stubbornly refused to learn to read music, preferring instead to take it in by ear. After school, Mr. Newman would further develop his musical skills by seeking out and playing gigs in local bands. David "Fathead" Newman was a key member of Ray Charles' band for a dozen years and later became a high-profile session player. Millions of people heard the soulful sounds of David Newman's saxophone on many of Ray Charles' classic hits, including "I Got a Woman," "What'd I Say" and "Lonely Avenue." David "Fathead" Newman's music career spanned over a period of 50 years. He released his 32nd and last album, Diamondhead, in 2008.