[3] Newman was born in Corsicana, Texas, United States, on February 24, 1933, but grew up in Dallas, where he studied first the piano and then the saxophone.

"[4] Inspired by the jump blues bandleader Louis Jordan, Newman took up the alto saxophone in the seventh grade, and was mentored by former Count Basie saxophonist Buster Smith.

[5] Newman went on to Jarvis Christian College on a music and theology scholarship but quit school after three years and began playing professionally.

[1] Newman began his career playing mostly jazz and blues, with a number of musicians that included Buster Smith, pianist Lloyd Glenn, and guitarist bandleaders Lowell Fulson and T-Bone Walker.

These include hits such as "Lonely Avenue", "Swanee River Rock", "Ain't That Love", "The Right Time" (with Newman on alto sax), and "Unchain My Heart".

[1] With Laverne Butler With Ray Charles With Hank Crawford With Cornell Dupree With Eddie Harris With Randy Johnston With JW-Jones With B.B.

King With Charles Kynard With Junior Mance With Herbie Mann With Arif Mardin With Jimmy McGriff With Meeco With Jane Monheit With Buddy Montgomery With Lee Morgan With Don Patterson With Jimmy Scott With Shirley Scott With Lonnie Smith With John Stein Other appearances