In today’s Los Angeles Times, David Ritz writes from a personal standpoint about the nearly simultaneous loss of three important musicians. Ritz is the author or co-author of several books about blues and soul artists including Ray Charles. The headline on his op-ed piece is “Ray Charles’ Heavenly Trio.” Here’s the first paragraph:
In summer 1957, I was a teenager who had just moved to Texas from the East Coast. One Sunday afternoon, I happened to walk into a large social hall in South Dallas where a jam session was underway. On the bandstand were three saxophonists: Leroy “Hog” Cooper on baritone, David “Fathead” Newman on tenor and Hank Crawford on alto.
To read the whole thing, go here. For the Rifftides remembrance of Newman, and a performance video, go here.