Benny Turner

An oral history of blues legend Benny Turner, from his birth and early childhood in Gilmer, TX to the family's move to Chicago, IL and the ultimate birth of his career in the gospel, R&B and blues genres. Surviving extreme poverty in East Texas followed by the shocking transition to urban life in Chicago and then the untimely death of his big brother, bandmate and best friend Freddie King, that is only a portion of the obstacles Benny has survived. This story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and Benny's personal and professional triumphs along the way.

"Music books are best when they're not about music but about the musicians who make the music.  The relationships, the road trips, bandstand incidents, and other obstacles to humanity are explored in this marvelous biography of bassist Benny Turner."  -  BOB PORTER, Author, Soul Jazz

“In Survivor, legendary musician Benny Turner spins a mesmerizing memoir about the life and times of a journeyman blues bassist … There’s so much to like about this incredibly detailed book, complete with vintage photos. It clearly was a labor of love for the collaborators, who spent hundreds of hours painstakingly documenting this classic bluesman’s storied past. We are all the richer for it.”  - BlueInk Review

“Music fans will be fascinated by this very personal deep dive into the real life of the blues.” Clarion Rating: 5 out of 5 - Foreword