Howie Newman
MUSIC, COMEDY and MORE
Newman has opened for Tom Paxton, Vance Gilbert, Brewer & Shipley, Pure Prairie League, Bill
Staines, Lui Collins, Don White, Modern Man and many others. His songs have received national
airplay on the Dr. Demento Show, National Public Radio and the Midnight Special as well as dozens
of other North American outlets (radio list).
In the summer of 2015, Howie teamed up with fiddle
player Jackie Damsky for a series of indoor and outdoor concerts that included the Topsfield and Marshfield Fairs.
Along with original songs, the duo played lively covers
that spanned everything from the Beatles to Steely Dan, featuring excellent musicianship, tight harmonies and the usual hilarity.
They played concerts through the fall of 2016, at which
time Howie added two new partners, Joe Kessler (left) and Steve Latanision, taking on the name Knock on Wood.
2015-PRESENT: FOLK-ROCK DUO
Dave Talmage, a talented fiddler and mandolinist, replaced Steve Latanision in 2022. Josh Berlin, joined the team in 2023.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT KNOCK ON WOOD, CLICK HERE.
MUSICAL BASEBALL SHOW
For libraries, senior centers and other groups, Howie offers a special baseball show, which includes
baseball songs, baseball trivia and stories about his days as a sportswriter on the Red Sox beat.
For additional information, click here.
The popularity of his baseball music led to an 18-year sportswriting career. Newman covered two
World Series, five NBA Finals and four Stanley Cup finals writing for the Patriot Ledger, Lowell Sun, Boston Globe, Associated Press and Lynn Item.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he moved to Boston to attend Northeastern University. He’s lived in the
greater Boston area ever since.
PERSONAL
DISCOGRAPHY
2024
Baseball's Greatest Hits, Volume 3
Howie Newman's first baseball CD in 16 years recalls some of the game’s memorable, and most quirky, moments, such as Tony Cloninger’s two grand slams, Harvey Haddix’s 12-inning gem and Mike Hessman’s minor-league home run mark. Newman also looks at baseball’s most unusual pitch and the long off-season of disappointment for teams that fell just short.
Backed by electric guitar, drums, bass, piano, fiddle, mandolin and other instruments, Newman embraces country, rock and folk in this lively five-song compilation. This EP has been accepted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame Archive in Cooperstown, N.Y.
MUSIC SAMPLES LYRICS GENERAL INFORMATION
2023
It Sure Beats Workin'
This latest CD from Howie Newman features his most diverse song collection ever — in terms of subject matter and style. He delves into interstellar trash collection, politics, baseball, family, the pandemic, modern technology and the music biz.
While telling these intriguing stories, Howie offers up a nice blend of up-tempo country rock, bluegrass, folk, pop and calypso. Among the seven brand-new songs are the title track, a catchy country-rocker, and a percussion-driven Calypso number, “What Did We Do?” There’s also “Hannah’s Song,” a heartfelt look at grandparenthood, with just a touch of humor (Hannah has her own part, too).
Also on the album are reworked versions of three songs from the ’70s, including “A Little Sympathy,” as well as a live recording of "Way Past My Bedtime."
REVIEWS MUSIC SAMPLES LYRICS GENERAL INFORMATION
2017
When You're Happy
Howie's first full-length studio album in 10 years, this CD contains studio versions of five songs
from his live album, You Shoulda Been There (including "My Baby Can't Parallel Park" and "Our Kids
Aren't Kids Anymore"), plus five new songs.
It features piano player Tim Ray, a longtime accompanist for Lyle Lovett, who has performed with
Bonnie Raitt and Aretha Franklin. Other notable contributors include reed man Billy Novick,
fiddler/mandolinist Joe Kessler, fiddler Jackie Damsky and Howie's two children, Keith and Jen.
REVIEWS MUSIC SAMPLES LYRICS GENERAL INFORMATION
2012
You Shoulda Been There
This "live" album included five new songs, four old classics and a cover of the Lovin' Spoonful's “Do
You Believe in Magic?” The hit single, “My Baby Can't Parallel Park,” aired twice on NPR's Car Talk
and many other radio stations nationwide. The album is no longer available.
2008
Baseball's Greatest Hits, Volume 2
Howie’s second baseball EP, Baseball’s Greatest Hits, Volume 2, featured "It’s The End of the Curse
and We Know It," a celebration of Boston's first championship in 86 years (yes, it's an R.E.M.
parody) and "Mendoza Line."
REVIEW MUSIC SAMPLES LYRICS MORE ABOUT HOWIE'S BASEBALL MUSIC
2006
Trust Me, You'll Like It
This 13-track CD featured some of the top local musicians, including guitarist Duke Levine (J. Geils
Band, Mary Chapin Carpenter band, Aimee Mann), reed player Billy Novick (New Black Eagle Jazz
Band) and keyboard whiz Jim Gambino (Swinging Steaks).
REVIEWS MUSIC SAMPLES LYRICS
2001
Baseball's Greatest Hits, Volume 1
Originally released on vinyl in 1979, this EP has been accepted into the National Baseball Hall of
Fame Archive in Cooperstown, N.Y.
MUSIC SAMPLES LYRICS MORE ABOUT HOWIE'S BASEBALL MUSIC
2001
Here We Go Again
Remastered from earlier vinyl records, this EP includes some of Howie's best songs from the '70s
and '80s.
BIO
MUSIC AND COMEDY
One of the most engaging performers on the New England folk circuit, Howie Newman combines music, comedy and audience participation to provide a truly unique entertainment experience.
His amusing compositions are up-tempo and catchy, and he keeps
things lively with funny between-songs banter and short comedy bits (there is also a smattering of serious songs).
Song topics include television commercials, baseball, cell phones,
middle age dating, the weather, intergalactic garbage collection and
more. And the material is totally clean, suitable for all ages.
