Joseph Vernon "Big Joe" Turner Jr. (May 18, 1911 – November 24, 1985) was an American blues shouter from Kansas City, Missouri. Often referred to as "The Boss of the Blues," Turner's powerful voice and robust charisma left an indelible mark on the history of American music. Beginning his career in the 1920s, he emerged in the 1930s and 40s as a prominent figure in the vibrant Kansas City nightclub scene, where he performed with jazz and blues icons such as Count Basie.

Turner's career spanned several decades and musical eras, with his most influential work coming in the 1950s where he helped lay the groundwork for rock and roll with hit singles like "Shake, Rattle and Roll." His style—a robust and rollicking blend of blues, jazz, and rhythm and blues—captured the essence of the post-war American spirit and influenced countless musicians who followed. He continued to record and perform live up until his death in 1985, leaving behind a legacy as an essential architect of rock 'n' roll and rhythm & blues..ServiceModel his later years, the releases such as "The Atlantic Albums," "The Boss Is Back (Live)," and "Big Joe Turner Live 1983" exemplify his enduring appeal and the high-energy performances for which he was famous. His discography serves not just as entertainment but also as a vital document tracing the evolution of American popular music from the jazz-influenced blues of the early 20th century through to the birth of rock 'n' roll.

Genres

Blues

Jump Blues

Rhythm And Blues

Traditional Blues

Related Artists

Little Richard

Louis Jordan

Wynonie Harris

Etta James

Chuck Berry

B.B. King

Ruth Brown

Amos Milburn

Bo Diddley

Ray Charles

Sam Cooke

James Brown

Latest Release

Kansas City Style

Big Joe Turner

Album - 14 Tracks - Released June 21, 2024