Floyd Newman was a saxophone, session musician, and bandleader who lived from August 17, 1931, until May 23, 2023. He spent a lot of time working with Stax Records as a baritone saxophonist and as a member of the Memphis Horns and The Mar-Keys’ horn section.
He was born in Memphis and joined the B.B. King Review in the late 1940s, along with George Coleman and George Joyner, among others. Later, Newman relocated to Detroit, worked with Jackie Brenston on recordings, and then went on tour with Sam Cooke before returning to Memphis. At the Plantation Inn, Newman also played in a band with Howard Grimes on drums, Joe Woods on guitar, and Isaac Hayes on keyboards. The 45 “Frog Stomp,” co-written by Newman and Hayes, was also recorded with this lineup.
Floyd Newman death: How did Floyd Newman die?
Baritone saxophonist Newman, who was instrumental in the growth of Stax Records, passed away early on Tuesday morning at the age of 91, following a stay in hospice. In a message on social media, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music announced that the information was accurate: “Rest in power to our dear Mr. Floyd Newman, an all-star baritone sax player and human being,” the song goes.
Newman continued to be a musical powerhouse far into his old age. He recorded and performed with Memphis R&B revivalists The Bo-Keys, appearing on their 2011 album “Got to Get Back.”