Survivor

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.

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.

After more than 60 years in the music business, performing gospel, R&B, soul and blues everywhere from the Chitlin Circuit to the Apollo Theater to the far reaches of the globe, Benny Turner has taken his rightful place on center stage. A career sideman to iconic musicians such as Dee Clark, The Soul Stirrers, Mighty Joe Young, Marva Wright-Blues Queen of New Orleans, and his brother the late Freddie King, Benny is a new shining star in the blues world. Singer, songwriter and producer, his critically-acclaimed latest release, "When She's Gone," contains the 2016 Independent Music Awards Blues Song of the Year, "I Can't Leave." Benny's soulful singing and unique lead bass playing are both captivating and entertaining. At age 77, he continues performing and recording, and shows no signs of slowing down. He says, "I'm a survivor, and I ain't tired yet!"