He is a son of the late Hollywood composer Alfred Newman, brother of the Hollywood composer Thomas Newman, and a cousin of composer Randy Newman.

An accomplished violinist, and successful concert conductor, David Newman was educated at the University of Southern California.

Newman's success seems tied to his collaboration with actor/director Danny Devito, beginning with "Throw Momma from the Train" (1987). He continued with Devito for "The War of the Roses" (1989), "Hoffa" (1992) and "Matilda" (1996). His sensibility toward comedy brought him to "The Flintstones" (1994), "The Mighty Ducks" (1992), "The Nutty Professor" (1996), and "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" (1989), and requests for his scores for comedic films have continued to this day.