Fred Turner (musician)
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Fred Turner (born Charles Frederick Turner on October 16, 1943 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) was a member of the 1970s rock band Bachman-Turner Overdrive.
C. F. (Fred) Turner played in a number of bands during his early adult years, and was asked by Randy Bachman to join his band, Brave Belt, in 1972. Brave Belt was a country rock band, but Fred's influence started making itself felt, and his contributions on bass, Randy Bachman's guitar and writing talents, and Robbie Bachman's drumming skills soon morphed the band into Bachman-Turner Overdrive. There was no other band like them at the time - their rock'n'roll was hard driving, and the two front men (Turner and Bachman) were big and burly, much unlike their contemporaries. This uniqueness, Turner's voice, Bachman's song writing talent and guitar playing skills, and a much underated rhythm section (bass and drums) led to their ascendancy as a major rock band of the seventies.
BTO's first album sold steadily, they hit big with their second album, BTO II, and struck pure gold with their third, "Not Fragile." From this album came the number one hit, "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet," and the smash hit, "Roll On Down The Highway." This album was considered BTO's best, and established them as a major worldwide rock attraction. In 1974 BTO sold more albums than any band in the world, and, in fact, was the world's top rock band during that period. Subsequent albums like "Four Wheel Drive," "Head On," and "Freeways" further established and cemented the BTO legacy. When Randy Bachman left the band in 1977, Turner, Thornton, and Robbie Bachman carried on with Jim Clench through two more albums. Although each had their merits, BTO's initial run ended at the conclusion of the seventies. Reunions occurred in 1984 and 1988, with Randy Bachman leaving the band a second time in 1991. Randy Murray stepped in at this point and became a member of BTO, and this version of the band proved to be the most enduring, continuing on through 2004.
Fred Turner was lead vocalist on most of Bachman-Turner Overdrive's tracks. He is known for his powerful, soulful voice, as evinced on "Not Fragile," "House of the Rising Sun," "Let It Ride," "Blue Collar," and many other compelling tunes. His voice is one of the most unique in the world, and in many people's opinions he was the bedrock player in Bachman-Turner Overdrive. Simply put, there could never have been a successful BTO without Fred Turner's contributions, he is one of the most unsung major rock talents in rock'n'roll history.
Fred Turner last played on stage in 2004 with Randy Murray and was backed by members of the Little River Band when drummer Robin Bachman was unable to make BTO's last show. He is enjoying a well earned retirement, and is one of the most respected singers/players ever to come out of Canada.
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