Big Joe Turner Created by: Melina Milone Kyle Beversdorf John Simons

Born: May 18, 1911 Died: November 24, 1985 Joseph Vernon Turner, “Big Joe Turner,” was born in Kansas City, MO.

Teen Years Began his career in the streets by working for tips. In his early teen years, his father died and Turner had to leave school. Worked as a bartender, a cook and a bouncer.

Big Joe Turner began his blues and jazz singing career as a teenager. He sang in beer joints and nightclubs in Kansas City. He often got pointers from more experienced performers at after hour jam sessions. Occasionally toured with regional bands in the late 1920’s and early 1930’s.

His “BIG” Voice Turner had such a booming voice, he didn’t even need to use any form of amplification. He could out-shout an entire band. He could be loud, yet still maintain clarity and control in his voice.

Turner’s Early Career Starts Rolling During the early 30s, Turner partnered up with boogie piano master, Pete Johnson. The duo’s playing relationship lasted 13 years. They started their partnership by traveling to NYC, performing at Carnegie Hall.

Carnegie Hall Concert a Success Turner and Johnson performed “Low Down Dog” and “ It’s All Right, Baby” The show started a boogie-woogie crazy. The show also meant the duo received a long-term slot at Cafe Society (A famous nightclub in NYC which showcases African American talent).

Turner’s Career Advancements In the early 40s, during the war years, Turner moved his career to the West Coast. There he signed a record deal with National Records “My Gal’s a Jockey” (1946) was his first national R&B smash hit.

Turner’s Career Advancements By the late 40s, almost all West Coast labels had at least 1 or 2 Turner songs in their catalog. He began to spark interest by a number of different record companies and landed with Atlantic label records.

Turner recorded for a number of labels including: Decca National Aladdin Freedom Atlantic

The 50s was a Rolling Decade for Turner Hits like “Chains of Love” restored Turner’s place in the high portion of the R&B charts. In 1954, he recorded another hit, probably his biggest of all, called “Shake, Rattle and Roll”. Now 43, Turner was now a full blown rockstar.

Follow-Up Hits Solidified Turner’s Appeal Later in the 50s, Turner followed his stardom with hits such as, “Well All Right”, “Flip,Flop and Fly”, “Hide and Seek”, Morning, Noon and Night”, and “The Chicken and the Hawk”. All of these hits had a similar impact and groove as his “Shake, Rattle and Roll” hit.

Turner’s Later Career After rock & roll faded in the 60’s, Turner focused on blues and boogie-woogie again. Moved to L.A. and recorded with jazz legends (Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, and Roy Eldridge). Schooled a young backup band (the Blasters). Released the album Blues Train in 1983.

Big Joe Turner had a long career Big Joe Turner had a long career. Even at the age of 72 Turner was releasing successful music. His blues and jazz sound has become timeless and outlasted trends from earlier years.

“Rock and Roll would never have happened without him.” Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee Doc Pomus says, “Rock and Roll would never have happened without him.”

Awards Silver Award for Male Vocalist in All-American Jazz Band (Esquire Magazine, 1945). Best New Male Singer (Down Beat Magazine Critics’ Poll, 1956). Top Male Singer (Melody Maker Magazine Critics’ Poll, 1965). Best Blues Record (Jazz Journal Poll, 1965). Outstanding Achievement Award (Mayor Tom Bradley).

Awards Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. 17 of his singles reached top 10 positions on the US R&B charts 2 of those singles reached #1 (“Honey Hush” 1953 and “Shake, Rattle and Roll” 1954) Shake, Rattle and Roll sits at #127 on Rolling Stone Magazine's Top 500 songs of all time

References Big Joe Turner Biography. (n.d.).Musician Guide . Retrieved May 30, 2014, from http://www.musicianguide.com/biographies/1608000151/Big-Joe-Turner.html Big Joe Turner Biography . (n.d.). The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame . Retrieved May 30, 2014, from http://rockhall.com/inductees/big-joe-turner/bio/ Big Joe Turner | Biography | AllMusic. (n.d.). AllMusic. Retrieved June 3, 2014, from http://www.allmusic.com/artist/big-joe-turner-mn0000060726/biography