Stanley William Turrentine (April 5, 1934 – September 12, 2000) was an American jazz tenor saxophonist and record producer.
His career spanned several decades, and he made significant contributions to the world of jazz.
His father was a saxophonist with Al Cooper’s Savoy Sultans, his mother played stride piano, and his older brother Tommy Turrentine was a trumpet player1.
He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, into a musical family
Turrentine began his musical journey playing with blues and rhythm and blues bands. He drew inspiration from saxophonist Illinois Jacquet.
In 1953, he joined Earl Bostic’s band, replacing none other than the legendary John Coltrane.
Turrentine also collaborated with pianist and composer Tadd Dameron during this period.
Blue Note Soul-Jazz Era:
In the 1960s, Turrentine gained prominence through his soul-jazz recordings for the Blue Note label.
These sessions showcased his big, warm sound.
He frequently worked with organist Shirley Scott during this time, both in live performances and studio recordings.
Fusion and CTI Years:
In the 1970s, Turrentine explored jazz fusion and signed with Creed Taylor’s CTI label.
His album “Sugar” (1970) became a significant success and remains a classic in the genre.
Other notable albums from this period include “Don’t Mess with Mister T.” (1971).
Collaborations and Legacy:
Turrentine collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including organist Jimmy Smith, Freddie Hubbard, George Benson, and Bob James.
His distinctively thick, rippling tone and grounding in the blues left a lasting impact on jazz.
He returned to soul jazz in the 1980s and continued performing into the 1990s.
His contributions to jazz and his distinctive tenor saxophone style have left a lasting impact on the genre3.
Turrentine was married to organist Shirley Scott during the 1960s but later divorced.
He lived in Fort Washington, Maryland, until his passing in 2000 due to a stroke.
Turrentine’s legacy endures through his recordings, and he remains a beloved figure in jazz history.
Turrentine’s discography is extensive, with his work spanning several decades and encompassing a variety of genres2.
His first recorded album was “Stan ‘The Man’ Turrentine” in 19602.
All Support Information Googles and Getty Images.
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