|
Have The Article Read To You Here: Brought To You By Drumming News Network
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Latest Drumming News
In Southern rock, the term “band” doesn’t quite capture the essence of the musical brotherhoods that form. These groups are more like families, bound by shared experiences, struggles, and triumphs. The iconic Georgia-based Southern rock band, The Allman Brothers, understood this sentiment well, choosing to name their 1973 album “Brothers and Sisters” in honor of fallen bandmates Duane Allman and Berry Oakley.
The same familial spirit resonates deeply with Blackberry Smoke, another influential Southern rock outfit hailing from Georgia. Recent years, however, have brought profound challenges for the band, particularly for their heartbeat, Brit Turner. On March 3rd, the devastating news of Brit Turner’s passing at the age of 57 was announced, marking a somber moment for Southern rock enthusiasts and the broader music community.
Brit Turner; a founding member and, quite literally, a brother to bass player Richard Turner. Described as Blackberry Smoke’s “True North,” Brit played a pivotal role in shaping the band’s ideology. Despite being diagnosed with an aggressive glioblastoma brain tumor in November 2022, Brit battled courageously until his last breath.
In an official statement, Blackberry Smoke expressed their deepest sorrow, highlighting Brit’s caring, empathetic, and endearing nature. He was more than a bandmate; he was the compass guiding the group forward. The band requested prayers for Brit’s family and band brothers, acknowledging the immense support received during his brave fight.
Brit Turner’s musical journey began in Smyrna, Georgia, where he received his first drum set in the 6th grade. Influenced initially by rock and metal bands like AC/DC and Judas Priest, Brit, along with brother Richard, formed basement bands throughout high school. They even opened for iconic acts such as Iron Maiden and Metallica during their early years in Atlanta.
After working at Atlanta Pro Percussion and experiencing the heavy metal scene, Brit Turner redirected his focus towards rock, Southern rock, and country. In 2000, the Turner brothers, along with Charlie Starr and Paul Jackson, founded Blackberry Smoke. Over the years, the band carved out its space in the Southern rock landscape, with Brit serving not only as a drummer but also as the band’s historian, meticulously documenting its journey.
The turning point came in 2012 when Zac Brown of the Zac Brown Band signed Blackberry Smoke to his Southern Ground record label. The band’s 2015 album, “Holding All The Roses,” marked a historic moment, becoming the first independently-released country album to top the Billboard Country Albums chart in the modern era.
Despite Brit Turner’s health challenges, he continued performing live, displaying resilience and dedication. His absence during recent appearances was filled by drummers Kent Aberle and Preston Holcome. Blackberry Smoke’s latest album, “Be Right Here,” produced by Dave Cobb and released on February 16th, stands as a testament to the band’s enduring spirit.
Brit Turner’s passing leaves a profound void in Blackberry Smoke, Southern rock, and the wider country and roots music community. His legacy will endure through the music and memories he created with the band. The Southern rock family mourns the loss of a true brother, and fans around the world remember Brit Turner as a driving force behind the beats that defined an era.