One of the last great
Ellingtonians,
Norris Turney was the first flute soloist that
the Duke Ellington Orchestra ever had. He was also a lyrical altoist influenced by
Johnny Hodges and (when called for) an excellent tenor saxophonist too. He started his musical career playing in the Midwest with territory bands like
the Jeter-Pillars Orchestra; he was also briefly with
Tiny Bradshaw in Chicago and then relocated to New York.
Turney was part of
the Billy Eckstine Orchestra from 1945-1946, but fame would elude him for many years. He soon returned to Ohio and mostly played with local groups. In 1967,
Turney toured with
Ray Charles, but it was not until his period with
Ellington (1969-1973) that his talents were fully recognized. Since that time he has been a member of
the Savoy Sultans,
the Newport All-Stars, various pit orchestras, and any situation where his versatility and swinging style can be most appreciated. As a leader,
Norris Turney led dates during 1975-1978 for Master Jazz, the tiny Harlem label, Black & Blue, and in 1993 for Mapleshade. He died in Ohio of kidney failure in mid-January, 2001. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
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The Definitive Black & Blue Sessions: I Let a Song