Last updated on August 29, 2023

The transcription of David “Fathead” Newman tenor saxophone solo on Unchain My Heart (ABC-Paramount 1961).

Unchain My Heart is a song written by Bobby Sharp and recorded first in 1961 by Ray Charles and in 1963 by Trini Lopez. The song was a hit for Ray Charles when released as a single in late 1961. Accompanied by his backup singers The Raelettes, Ray sang about wanting to be free from a woman “who won’t let (him) go”. His longtime saxophonist David “Fathead” Newman plays tenor solo.

Another famous version of Unchain My Heart is by Joe Cocker on the album of the same name from 1987. Clarence Clemons plays the tenor saxophone solo on Cocker’s version.

The bflat and eflat versions of the transcription are available at transcriptions page.

Have fun and keep practicing!