After more than 60 years performing gospel, R&B, soul and blues everywhere from the Chitlin Circuit to the Apollo Theatre to the far reaches of the globe, Benny Turner shares his captivating life story in his new biography, Survivor: The Benny Turner Story. Available in hardcover and eBook versions beginning July 8, 2017.
An oral history as told to Bill Dahl, Benny talks about his early years in Gilmer, TX, the family’s move to Chicago in 1950 and the ultimate birth of his career in the gospel, R&B and blues genres. Surviving extreme poverty in rural East Texas followed by the shocking transition to urban life in Chicago and the untimely death of his big brother, bandmate and best friend Freddie King, is only a portion of the obstacles Benny has survived.
Bill Dahl writes in his introduction to the book, “What you’re reading is Benny Turner’s story the way he wants it told.”
Early acclaim for the book has been high, both from within the music industry and beyond, earning multiple 5-star reviews from Readers Favorite book reviews.
Key review excerpts include:
“Benny’s voice comes across as genuine and had me turning these pages from beginning to end.” – Gisela Dixon
“I read the book because I wanted to get to know a little about the man behind the music. I was not disappointed.” – Ray Simmons
“Survivor: The Benny Turner Story is both inspirational and entertaining… This is a beautiful offering to fans of the artist and all blues lovers.” – Romuald Dzemo
“This is a story loaded with powerful lessons and insights for the reader; it is as entertaining as it is revealing of one of the ultimate virtues of humanity – resilience.” – Arya Fomonyuy
Blue Ink Reviews says, “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.”
In concluding his book introduction, Bill Dahl writes, “As rock-solid as Benny Turner is as a bassist and singer, he’s even more solid as a human being. He has an incredible story to tell you, one full of famous bluesmen and family ties and heartwarming human triumph. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed helping to put it together.”
Book release shows and signings have been scheduled at Antone’s in Austin, TX on July 8, the Jus Blues Awards in Tunica, MS (where Benny will also be honored) on August 4, the Ann Arbor Blues Festival on August 19 and Rosa’s Lounge in Chicago, IL on August 20.
To pre-order and for more information, visit the website or Amazon.
A Nola Blue, Inc. publication.
For publicity and promotional inquires, contact Betsie Brown, Blind Raccoon
