February is Black History Month and Jazzy 88.9 WCSU is paying tribute to the many African-Americans who have made a difference in the Miami Valley. Today we salute jazz flutist, Norris Turney.
The Wilmington, Ohio native began his career in the Midwest playing in several bands in Chicago before moving to New York City where he played with The Billy Eckstine Orchestra. Later he would tour with Ray Charles and be hired to play alto saxophone as an insurance policy due to the failing health of Johnny Hodges. Turney was the first flute soloist to ever play in Ellington’s Orchestra.
Turney was passionate for jazz music and gained experience in clubs in Cincinnati, before embarking on the classic apprentticeship for an aspiring jazz musician-swapping bands (including Wilberforce Collegians) or fronting his own, crisscrossing the state from Columbus to Toldeo before landing back in Dayton, Ohio as he recorded as a solo artist, toured Europe and became a Teacher of music.
This Black History tribute is brought to you by your Jazz Authority of the Miami Valley, Jazzy 88.9 WCSU.
