Stanley Turrentine, known for his rich, husky tenor saxophone tones and soulful approach to jazz, was a significant figure in the development of soul jazz—a genre that melds the swing and creativity of jazz with the groove and rhythm of blues. Born on April 5, 1934, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Turrentine grew up in a musical family; his brother, Tommy Turrentine, was a noted trumpeter. After an early career stint with Lowell Fulson’s band, which included Ray Charles on piano, Turrentine joined Max Roach's band in the late 1950s.

His career truly began to flourish in the 1960s, particularly during his tenure with Blue Note Records. It was during this time that Turrentine released several acclaimed albums, showcasing his robust, melodic playing that would go on to influence many. He worked extensively with organist Jimmy Smith, producing music that appealed to both jazz aficionados and a wider audience. His marriage to organist Shirley Scott also resulted in a fruitful collaboration, with the pair releasing several albums together. Turrentine continued to be active in the music scene through the '70s and '80s, dabbling in various jazz styles, including fusion and mainstream jazz. His ability to adapt to the changing landscapes of jazz without losing the bluesy underpinning of his sound helped to maintain his reputation as a versatile and soulful player. He passed away on September 12, 2000, but leaves behind a rich discography that includes notable works like "Sugar," "Hustlin'," and "Don't Mess With Mister T.," which continue to resonate with jazz lovers around the world.

Genres

Jazz Saxophone

Soul Jazz

Related Artists

Kenny Burrell

Jimmy Smith

Hank Mobley

Lou Donaldson

Lee Morgan

Grant Green

Gene Ammons

John Coltrane

Donald Byrd

Wayne Shorter

Dexter Gordon

Blue Mitchell

Latest Release

Star Bright

Stanley Turrentine

Album - 19 Tracks - Released June 25, 2021