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His story
John Turk, a native of Vallejo, California, has been in music all his life starting with the piano at age five. His mother, a church pianist, gave him basic piano
skills while his father gave him a love for great music through his vast record collection, from Leadbelly to Count Basie. |
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At twelve, John added the trumpet to his musical repertoire. After high school, he went on the road as trumpet player and
musical director for blues artist Jimmy McCracklin. He later joined Johnny Heartsman's band as trumpet/organist at the then popular Showcase Lounge in Oakland, California. There, he accompanied Lou Rawls,
Esther Phillips, Etta James, and others. |
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After a brief concert tour with former schoolmate Sly Stone, John formed his own band, "John Turk & The 3rd
Street Annexx," an institution in the East Bay music scene since 1970.John's ability to play various styles from old swing standards to hip-hop and blues has enabled him to tour Europe and the
U.S. He is also a musical "happening" whether he's playing solo piano, one man band |
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with his trumpet, synthesizers and drum machine, or leading his versitile quintet.
For the past 11 years, John has been Musical Director at the world famous Glide Memorial United Methodist Church
, pastored by Reverend Cecil Williams in San Francisco, California. Last — but most important — are the house parties, weddings and many
social functions that have enjoyed John's music and have enabled him to make his dream of making a living playing music come true. |
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