Del Newman: A Master of Orchestration and Production
Derrick Martin “Del” Newman (October 5, 1930 – August 10, 2020) was a British conductor, orchestral arranger, and music producer whose career spanned several decades. Known for his exceptional ability to blend orchestral arrangements with contemporary music, Del worked with some of the most iconic artists of the 20th century, leaving an enduring legacy in the music industry.
Born in London, Del was adopted by the Newman family as a child. He began learning the cello and piano at the age of seven, which laid the foundation for his lifelong passion for music. After serving in the Royal Navy, he pursued formal music education at Trinity College of Music, specializing in composition and conducting. He studied under notable figures such as Elisabeth Lutyens and Antal Doráti, honing his skills in orchestration and arrangement.
Del’s career took off in the late 1960s when he began working as a musical arranger. His early projects included collaborations with guitarist Gordon Giltrap and orchestral arrangements for Cat Stevens’ seminal album Tea for the Tillerman (1970). Over the years, Del’s orchestral touch graced the works of Elton John (Goodbye Yellow Brick Road), Rod Stewart (Atlantic Crossing), Paul Simon, Carly Simon, George Harrison, and many others. His arrangements were often compared to those of George Martin, particularly for their seamless integration into the songs.
In addition to his work as an arranger, Del also ventured into production. He produced Scott Walker’s 1973 album Stretch, which included his own composition “Someone Who Cared.” Del’s production credits also extended to artists like Asha Puthli and Brian Protheroe, showcasing his versatility and keen ear for talent.
Del’s connection to Dave Stewart and Longdancer is less direct but significant in the broader context of the era’s music scene. While Del did not work with Longdancer specifically, his collaborations with artists like Elton John and Ian Matthews placed him in the same creative circles that nurtured talents like Stewart, who would later achieve global fame with Annie Lennox as part of Eurythmics.
Beyond his work in popular music, Del contributed to film scores, West End musicals, and even the Eurovision Song Contest, where he orchestrated Italy’s entry in 1980. In his later years, Del focused on teaching and mentoring young musicians. His autobiography, A Touch from God: It’s Only Rock & Roll, published in 2010, offers a glimpse into his extraordinary career and personal reflections.
Del Newman passed away in 2020 at the age of 89, but his contributions to music continue to resonate. His ability to elevate songs with his orchestral arrangements remains a hallmark of his genius, and his work is celebrated by fans and musicians alike.
