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Stanley William Turrentine was one of the most distinctive tenor saxophonists in jazz. Known for his big, warm, sound, The Sugar Man or the original Mr. T found inspiration in the blues and turned it into a hugely successful career with a #1 hit and four Grammy nominations — first in R&B and then in jazz.
Born on April 5, 1934 in Pittsburgh, a city that has produced more than its share of jazz masters, Turrentine hailed from a musical family. His saxophone-playing father was a big influence, as was his stride piano-playing mother and older brother, the late trumpeter Tommy Turrentine.
One of Stanley's earliest influences on sax was tenor great Illinois Jacquet. Jacquet once encouraged a 12-year old Stanley to sit in with him. At 17, Turrentine went on the road with bluesman Lowell Fulson. In 1953, he was hired by R&B saxman and bandleader Earl Bostic to replace John Coltrane.
A consummate musician who learned his craft through disparate experiences and influences, Turrentine received his only formal musical training during his military stint in the mid-'50s. In 1959, he jumped from the frying pan into the fire when he left the military and went straight into the band of the great drummer Max Roach.
Turrentine married organist Shirley Scott (left) in 1960. When they moved to Philadelphia, they befriended Hammond B-3 organ legend Jimmy Smith and Turrentine quickly immersed himself in the Smith's soulful jazz organ sound. He even recorded on Jimmy's epochal Blue Note album Midnight Special.
Read moreJazz Musician of the Day: Stanley Turrentine
Jazz Musician of the Day: Stanley Turrentine
Jazz Musician of the Day: Stanley Turrentine
Jazz Musician of the Day: Stanley Turrentine
Stanley Turrentine: At the Shack
Jazz Musician of the Day: Stanley Turrentine
Jazz Musician of the Day: Stanley Turrentine
Music of Stanley Turrentine - Jazz at Lincoln Center
Mosaic Records Showcases --The Sugar Man's' Most Profound Musical...
Stanley Turrentine: Tenor Titan With His Own Big Sound
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