Nursing Home Crooner Taps Into Memories

Paris had Piaf. Hollywood, Jolson. The San Fernando Valley has . . . David Newman.

The tall, slender crooner may not be a household name, but he has charmed audiences from Northridge to Sherman Oaks for decades with his repertoire of standards and sing-alongs that he lovingly produces on his accordion several times a month at Valley nursing homes.

A quick glance around the activity room of the Northridge Care Center at a recent Newman concert revealed some of the lively foot-tapping and finger-snapping the 80-year-old entertainer is known to elicit.

“I like going to these places for a simple reason,” Newman said. “I enjoy seeing the people’s faces when they hear the old tunes. I love watching them get into the beat, even if it’s with a cane.”

The affection is mutual.

“[Newman’s] music brings back wonderful memories,” said care center resident Sally Kalnicky, 82, after joining the singer in a rousing rendition of “My Blue Heaven.” “I hope he comes back here again soon.”

Chances are pretty good that her request for a return engagement will be honored in the near future, according to activities director Diyar Ardroumli, who joined the audience in belting out “Bye Bye Blackbird.”

“David’s performance meant a lot to them. I’ve tried everything to get them engaged. It’s music that always works.”

It’s definitely worked for Newman, whose love affair with performing began shortly after the Chicago native arrived in Los Angeles in 1930 when, he recalled, the city boasted perpetual blue skies, and cow pastures occupied what is now Wilshire Boulevard.

Although his parents, who owned a Boyle Heights candy store and ice cream parlor, encouraged him to play the violin, he talked his mother into buying him an accordion after a musician introduced Newman to the instrument at a school concert.

The Roosevelt High School graduate took accordion lessons for a few years, but after struggling to make it in the music business, he gave up a performing career to “avoid starvation.” He completed a stenography course at a local business college, then began a 50-year career as a court reporter.

Although music assumed second position in his life, it has played a big role nonetheless.

At a 1948 dance, Newman met Rose and fell in love with her at first sight. The couple, who have been married 49 years, built the house they still occupy in Sherman Oaks, where they raised their children in an atmosphere infused with music.

Newman joined a band in the ‘50s, which over the span of 20 years performed at countless dances and parties.

“David’s playing has always been a part of our life,” Rose said. “He’s always played for friends and even the babies when I brought them home from the hospital.”

Perched on a chair at the Northridge Care Center, with the audience snapping fingers and singing along to “California Here I Come,” Newman smiled at the staff and residents who slipped quietly into the makeshift concert hall, attracted to the familiar songs echoing in the hallway.

“Performing rejuvenates him,” Rose said. “It always has.”

“I told my wife to bury me with my accordion when the time comes,” Newman said. “When I get to heaven, maybe I’ll play for St. Peter.”

Personal Best is a weekly profile of an ordinary person who does extraordinary things. Please send suggestions on prospective candidates to Personal Best, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth, 91311. Or fax them to (818) 772-3338. Or e-mail them to valley@latimes.com.