Norris Turney

Among the last great Ellingtonians, Norris Turney was the initial flute soloist how the Duke Ellington Orchestra ever endured. He was also a lyrical altoist affected by Johnny Hodges and (when needed) a fantastic tenor saxophonist as well. He began his musical profession playing within the Midwest with place bands just like the Jeter-Pillars Orchestra; he was also briefly with Tiny Bradshaw in Chicago and relocated to NY. Turney was area of the Billy Eckstine Orchestra from 1945-1946, but popularity would elude him for quite some time. He soon came back to Ohio and mainly played with regional organizations. In 1967, Turney toured with Ray Charles, nonetheless it had not been until his period with Ellington (1969-1973) that his skills were fully acknowledged. After that he is a person in the Savoy Sultans, the Newport All-Stars, numerous pit orchestras, and any scenario where his flexibility and swinging design could be most valued. As a innovator, Norris Turney led times during 1975-1978 for Grasp Jazz, the small Harlem label, Dark & Blue, and in 1993 for Mapleshade. He passed away in Ohio of kidney failing in mid-January, 2001.