David "Fathead" Newman Dies

David “Fathead” Newman, a jazz musician who played with the Ray Charles Band and won fame as a tenor sax soloist, has died. He was 75.

Photo: AP Photo

Jazz saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman, plays during the Sammons Jazz Series at the Sammons Center in Dallas.

Newman died Tuesday of pancreatic cancer in a Kingston hospital, according to his wife, Karen Newman, who was also his manager.

Newman played and recorded with a wide range of jazz and soul luminaries, such as Herbie Mann, Aretha Franklin and Aaron Neville. He also led a successful solo career.

Newman was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1990 for his work with Art Blakey and Dr. John.

According to his Web site, Newman spent 12 years with the Ray Charles Band beginning in 1954. He began as the baritone sax player and became the star tenor sax soloist.