Joseph Dwight Newman (September 7, 1922 – July 4, 1992)[1] was an American jazz trumpeter, composer, and educator, best known as a musician who worked with Count Basie during two periods.
In 1941, he joined Lionel Hampton for two years,[1] before signing with Count Basie, with whom he stayed for a total of thirteen years, interrupted by short breaks and a long period (1947–1952) spent first with saxophonist Illinois Jacquet and then drummer J. C. Heard. During his second period with Basie, which lasted for about nine years, he made a number of small-group recordings as the leader. He also played on Benny Goodman's 1962 tour of the Soviet Union.[1]
In 1961, Newman left the Basie band and helped to found Jazz Interactions,[2] of which he became president in 1967.[2] His wife, Rigmor Alfredsson Newman, was the Executive Director. Jazz Interactions was a charitable organization which provided an information service, brought jazz master classes into schools and colleges, and later maintained its own Jazz Interaction Orchestra (for which Newman wrote).[citation needed]
In the 1970s and 1980s, Newman toured internationally and recorded for several record labels.[2]
Personal life
Newman suffered a stroke in 1991, however, which seriously disabled him, and he died of complications from the condition in 1992.[3]
Discography
As leader
1954: Joe Newman and His Band (Vanguard)
1954: Joe Newman and the Boys in the Band (Storyville)