Don Turner - Bassist/Vocalist/Songwriter

Born In Detroit, MI. and raised on Motown Soul

I grew up in Detroit and was exposed to great music at an early age. I started with the bass at about 13 at the urging of my older brother, Buzz. He was starting on the guitar and needed a bass player. I took to the bass immediately. We started out picking up songs that we liked from records and from the radio. We had many "garage bands" and also started to go out to see live music around town. There were many great venues including the Motown Revues at the Fox Theatre, and a little bit later on, The Grande Ballroom. We went to see every band that was coming out. People like Hendrix, The Stones, Cream, Led Zeppelin, The Who, Jeff Beck, and many others.

My brother and I started gigging around town as teenagers. We did everything from radio show promotions to frat parties. We put together and worked with some great bands. Some of my favorites were "The Turner Bothers" (we hit the Top-40 bar scene in the early 70's. What a time!), and JGA. I have most of my associations listed below. I picked up an interest in jazz in the mid-80's and also started instruction on the upright bass. I consider myself an ongoing student of the bass.

Working as an "in demand" bass player for the past 20 years, I'm very pleased to be currently working (since 8/96) with the bugs Beddow band.

Influences:

James Jamerson, Jack Bruce, Jaco, Stanley Clarke, Gary Willis, John Pattitucci, Paul Chambers, Ray Brown, Ron Carter

Discography:

Black Hills "The Black Hills", The Boogiemen "Released for Production", bugs Beddow "Bone Appetit Live" (including one of my originals "Woman Crazy Man")

Associations:

Black Hills, Turner Bros, The Royal Jokers, King Grease, Terry & The Topics, Speakeasy, The Boogiemen, JGA, The Laacky Trio, Joe Messina, LGA