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Joe Turner

One of the masters of the stride piano style associated with Harlem, New York City, Turner gained his first big musical break in 1928 when he was hired for the Benny Carter Orchestra. Another break was his work accompanying Adelaide Hall, sometimes alongside Art Tatum, in the early 1930s. He also played with Louis Armstrong. After World War II, he settled in Europe, living in Paris from 1962. He played at La Calavados, a nightclub situated near the Champs Elysees until his death from a heart attack in 1990, at the age of 82.

 

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Recording

Joe Turner: Smashing Thirds

Joe Turner: Smashing Thirds

Source: JazzWax by Marc Myers

Big Joe Turner was a blues shouter from Kansas City, Mo., who stood at 6-foot 2, weighed 300 pounds and was fundamental to the development of rock 'n' roll. He was the first to record Shake, Rattle and Roll in 1954. The other famous musical Joe Turner was a stride pianist who was born in 1907 in Baltimore. Taught to play piano by his mother, Turner took six months of lessons with an undesirable teacher who tended to watch the ...

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Birthday

Jazz Musician of the Day: Big Joe Turner

Jazz Musician of the Day: Big Joe Turner

Source: Michael Ricci

All About Jazz is celebrating Big Joe Turner's birthday today!

JAZZ MUSICIAN OF THE DAY Big Joe Turner

Big Joe Turner - Blues Singer (1911 - 1985) “The Boss of the Blues” Providing an essential link between the blues and rock \'n\' roll, Big Joe Turner is best remembered for his classic 1954 hit “Shake, Rattle and Roll... more

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