Big Joe Turner

Big Joe Turner (born Joseph Vernon Turner Jr., May 18, 1911 – November 24, 1985) was an American blues shouter from Kansas City, Missouri, United States.
The Life and Legacy of Big Joe Turner: A Musical Icon
Big Joe Turner, also known as the Boss of the Blues, was a legendary musician who left his imprint on the music industry. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1911, Turner's style drew from various genres, including blues, jazz, R&B, and boogie-woogie. His deep, booming voice and charismatic presence made him a sought-after performer during his time, leaving behind a musical legacy that lives on decades after his passing. In this article, we will delve into Turner's life, his best songs, music genre, famous concerts, and receive a critic's perspective on this music great.
Turner began his singing career in the 1930s, working with various bands, including the Count Basie Orchestra. However, it was in the 1950s that his career took off after he signed with Atlantic Records. Some of his early hits include Chains of Love, Ain't Nobody's Business, and Sweet Sixteen. These songs helped establish Turner as a blues legend, and his music went on to influence several artists, including Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis.
Turner, along with the likes of Ray Charles and Chuck Berry, helped propel R&B music into the mainstream during the 1950s. He collaborated with several artists, including Otis Rush and Junior Wells, establishing himself as a blues artist, a soul man and a jazz singer. While he remained true to his earlier style, he incorporated elements from other genres, creating a unique sound that appealed to a broad audience.
Turner's famous concerts had the fifties and early sixties cream of the crop artists of that time. He performed at the Moondog Coronation Ball in Cleveland, which is considered the first rock and roll concert. Turner also became the lead singer for a blues review tour in 1957, featuring other blues legends, such as T-Bone Walker and Lowell Fulson. This tour was pivotal in laying the foundation of future blues and rock festivals, including the Newport Jazz Festival.
So what was Turner's music like? Turner's music ultimately falls into the blues genre with boogie-woogie Influences. One trademark of his music was his deep, soulful voice, which commanded attention, paired with fast and upbeat tempos, and dramatic arrangements. His music was often tailor-made, and his improvisation added a unique, often humorous touch, which delighted his audiences.
Some of Turner's best works include Shake, Rattle and Roll, Honey Hush, Flip, Flop, and Fly. These tunes represented the best of his style, showcasing his range as a performer. Turner's versatility as a musician is evident, and his ability to make the audience feel his music is a testament to his talent.
Big Joe Turner remains a legend in music even many decades after his death. His music continues to inspire generations of artists, and his influence can still be heard in the blues, R&B and rock genres of music. Turner's music had a knack for bringing people together and creating social change. He was one of a kind, and his talent and charisma left an indelible mark that will always endure. The Boss of the Blues is gone but not forgotten.