Marcus Turner facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Marcus Turner
Turner performing in Amberley in 1983
Background information
Birth name	Marcus William Turner
Born	(1956-02-16)16 February 1956 Roxburgh, New Zealand
Died	2 February 2016(2016-02-02) (aged 59) Otago Peninsula, New Zealand
Occupation(s)	Musician, singer-songwriter
Years active	1973–2016
Associated acts	The Chaps, Footspa, Spot On, How's That, Play School, Ginger Minge Binge Bush Band, High Country Bluegrass

Marcus William Turner (born February 16, 1956 – died February 2, 2016) was a talented New Zealand singer, songwriter, and folk musician. He was known for performing at folk festivals in New Zealand, Australia, and other countries. Many people also knew him as a friendly presenter on popular children's TV shows like Spot On, How's That, and Play School on TVNZ. He even directed Play School for a time.

Marcus Turner lived near Dunedin, on the Otago Peninsula in New Zealand. He passed away in early February 2016.

Early Life and Education

Marcus Turner was born in Roxburgh. He was the oldest of three children. He grew up in a small seaside town called Karitane. Marcus went to East Otago High School in Palmerston. After high school, he studied zoology at the University of Otago in Dunedin. He graduated with honors in 1978.

A Career in Television

After university, Marcus Turner joined Television New Zealand (TVNZ). He became a children's television presenter. He became very well-known on the popular show Spot On. He worked alongside other presenters like Ian Taylor and Helen McGowan.

Marcus also trained to become a television director. He later worked behind the camera as a producer for the children's show Play School. He also wrote and produced Wildtrack, a children's nature series. While working at TVNZ, he met Anne Hewton, who later became his wife.

Marcus and Anne lived in the United Kingdom for about a year and a half. When they returned to New Zealand, Marcus continued his TV career. He eventually moved to NHNZ, a company that makes nature documentaries. There, he worked as a researcher, director, producer, and even narrated some documentaries. He was still working for NHNZ when he passed away.

Marcus Turner's Music Journey

Marcus Turner started performing music in 1973. He played at the Otago University Folk Music Club in Dunedin. At first, he sang songs by artists like Paul Simon and John Denver. Over time, he also started playing traditional folk songs. In the 1970s, Marcus was part of several folk groups, including the High Country Bluegrass. He was very talented and could play many instruments. He played the guitar, banjo, mandolin, and other unique folk instruments he collected.

Marcus began writing his own songs. One of his early hits was a funny song called "The Civil Service Song." It was released as a single in the late 1970s. His first album, The Best is Yet to Come, came out in 1983. Marcus was a versatile songwriter. He could write both humorous, lighthearted songs and more serious, thoughtful ones.

After returning to New Zealand, Marcus helped start a folk group called The Chaps. He formed the band with other Dunedin musicians like Mike Moroney, Hyram Ballard, and John Dodd. The Chaps recorded three albums and even toured Europe twice.

In 2005, Marcus released his second solo album, Laid Down. He loved traditional music from many different countries. He played a wide variety of traditional instruments with Footspa, another band he was part of.

Marcus also helped create the New Edinburgh Folk Club in Dunedin. With Mike Moroney, he set up and managed kiwifolk.org.nz. This website was a place for folk music fans to discuss music and find information.

Some of Marcus's songs were recorded by other artists. These included Irish singer Andy Irvine, the Danish folk group Færd, and the British singing group Hen Party. Marcus also composed music for films, such as the NHNZ documentary Hotel Iguana.

Personal Life

After returning from the United Kingdom, Marcus and Anne moved to Macandrew Bay. This town is on the Otago Peninsula, just a short drive from Dunedin. They had two daughters, Cushla and Maura. Sadly, Anne passed away in 2014 after a long illness.

Death

Marcus Turner died suddenly at his home on February 2, 2016. He was 59 years old.

Discography