|
 |
Joseph Vernon Turner was a product of the swinging, wide-open Kansas City music scene, where he was born in 1911. He was known
as the "Boss of the Blues" and "Big Joe Turner", partly due to his stature:
6'2" and about 275 lbs. Big Joe Turner was as one of the great "blues shouter" of his
time. His music effortlessly spanned boogie-woogie, jump blues, and the
first wave of rock & roll, enjoying great success in each genre.
Much like Louis Jordan, Big Joe Turner was a big influence on
other Jump Blues artists, such as Wynonie Harris; and the early rock and
rollers, to include artists such as Bill Haley and Elvis Presley. Bands
continue to cover many of Turner's classic numbers, although few, if any,
singers can match his booming vocals. |
