Artist

Benny Turner

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Born in Gilmer, TX, Benny and his older brother, 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Freddie King, learned to play guitar from their mother, Ella Mae (King) Turner and her brothers.

A 60+ year veteran musician, Benny is best known as bassist for the Freddie King band, then for Mighty Joe Young and lastly for Marva Wright. His earliest musical endeavors are equally noteworthy. He was a recording artist for Chicago’s M-Pac! and One-Derful! labels. He also appears on gospel recordings with The Kindly Shepherds and Otis Clay. He went on the road with Dee Clark in the early ‘60’s, playing legendary venues such as The Apollo, The Howard and The Regal Theaters. He also toured with the Original Soul Stirrers, becoming the first to introduce electric bass to live gospel music.

A captivating live performer and multi-instrumentalist, Benny is also a talented songwriter, arranger and producer. His critically-acclaimed 2014 release, "Journey," was an homage to his deep, rich musical history. His next release, "When She’s Gone" (February 2016) contains the Ind. Music Awards Best Blues Song, "I Can't Leave." In September 2017, he released the Global Music Awards Silver Medal Winning "My Brother's Blues," in loving tribute to his big brother, best friend and bandmate. "SURVIVOR-The Benny Turner Story" was also published in 2017.

Benny was nominated for a 2018 Blues Music Award, and won the Outstanding Musician/Bass award in the Living Blues Magazine Reader's Poll.

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