Ted Turner (guitarist) facts for kids

David Alan "Ted" Turner (born 2 August 1950) is an English guitarist and singer. He is most famous for his time with the rock band Wishbone Ash. In this band, he was known for playing "twin lead guitar" alongside Andy Powell. This meant two guitars played the main melody parts together, which was very unique. Ted also played the lap steel guitar on many Wishbone Ash songs.

Ted Turner's Musical Journey

Starting Out in Music

Before joining Wishbone Ash, Ted Turner played in a band called King Biscuit. This band was from Birmingham, England.

Joining Wishbone Ash

Ted Turner became a member of Wishbone Ash in 1969. The band toured a lot and recorded several albums. These albums included Wishbone Ash, Pilgrimage, and Argus. He left the band in 1974 after their fourth album, Wishbone Four.

Ted's Guitars and Gear

During his early time with Wishbone Ash, Ted mainly used a Gibson Les Paul guitar. He also played a Fender Stratocaster and older lap steel guitars. Wishbone Ash also used special amplifiers from Orange/Matamp during this period.

Playing with Music Legends

In 1971, Ted Turner was asked to play on John Lennon's famous album, Imagine. He played acoustic guitar on two songs: "Crippled Inside" and "How Do You Sleep". He also played for other artists like Cilla Black, George Harrison, and Al Stewart.

After Wishbone Ash

In 1974, Ted left Wishbone Ash to travel the world. By 1975, he was in New Orleans. There, he joined a project called 'World Man Band'. This group wanted to use rock music to raise awareness about global issues.

New Bands and Projects

In 1980, Ted went back to England. He worked in studios with musicians like Stewart Copeland and Brian James. The next year, he moved back to the United States. He started a new band called Choice. In 1982, Ted joined Joey Molland's Badfinger and toured across the country. From 1983 to 1985, he worked on different recording projects. In 1985, he moved to Chicago and recorded with various artists, including Sugar Blue.

Coming Back to Wishbone Ash

In 1987, Ted Turner rejoined Wishbone Ash. They recorded an album called Nouveau Calls. In 1988, the original Wishbone Ash members toured England and Europe. This was their first tour together in 15 years.

Night of the Guitar Tour

Later in 1988, Ted and Andy Powell were invited to join the Night of the Guitar Tour. This tour featured many famous guitarists. Some of these included Randy California, Steve Howe, Robby Krieger, and Alvin Lee.

Recent Music and Life

Ted continued to tour and record with Wishbone Ash. They made albums like “Here to Hear” (1989) and “Strange Affair” (1991). He left the band again in 1994.

Guest Appearances and Collaborations

Ted has made guest appearances with Martin Turner's band. Martin Turner was also an original member of Wishbone Ash. This included a show at the High Voltage Festival in London in 2010. He also played at festivals in Japan and Mexico.

New Music with Majella

In February 2014, Ted married Majella. She is a talented singer-songwriter. In 2018, they released their first album together, “Better Together.” This album was very popular and created a new music style called “New Age Soul.” It was even nominated for "best album of the year 2018" by a major UK radio station. Their second album, “Divine Timing,” came out in December 2021.

Achievements and Recognition

Ted Turner has received great praise for his guitar playing. Rolling Stone magazine named him one of the 'Top Twenty Rock Guitarists of All Time'. Traffic magazine also called him "one of the most important guitarists in rock history."