Ted Turner (guitarist) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ted Turner
Turner in 1969
Background information
Birth name	David Alan Turner
Born	(1950-08-02) 2 August 1950 (age 74) Birmingham, England
Genres	Rock, progressive rock, blues art rock, new age soul
Occupation(s)	Musician
Instruments	Guitar, vocals
Years active	1969–present

Ted Turner, born David Alan Turner on August 2, 1950, is a talented English guitarist and singer. He is most famous for being a key member of the rock band Wishbone Ash. In the band, he and Andy Powell were known for their unique way of playing two lead guitars at the same time. Ted also played the lap steel guitar on many of Wishbone Ash's songs.

Ted Turner's Early Life

David Alan Turner was born in Sheldon, a small area in east Birmingham, England. His family moved to Lydney, Gloucestershire, but they returned to Birmingham when Ted was eight years old.

He started playing guitar when he was sixteen. He was inspired by the British blues music scene. He looked up to guitarists like Peter Green from Fleetwood Mac and the band Cream. Ted lived in South Yardley until he was nineteen. Then, he moved to London to become a professional musician.

Ted Turner's Music Career

Before joining Wishbone Ash, Ted Turner played with a band from Birmingham called King Biscuit. In 1969, he tried out for another band, Colosseum, but he didn't get the spot.

Joining Wishbone Ash

Ted joined Wishbone Ash in 1969. He saw an advertisement in a music magazine called Melody Maker. He and Andy Powell became famous for their "twin lead guitar" style. This meant they both played lead guitar parts together, which was very unique.

They toured a lot and recorded several albums. These included Wishbone Ash, Pilgrimage, and Argus. Ted left the band in 1974 after their fourth album, Wishbone Four.

Working with Other Artists

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

After leaving Wishbone Ash, Ted moved to the United States. He spent many years in the late 1970s and early 1980s playing in local bands there.

Return to England and New Bands

In 1980, Ted returned to England. He worked in recording studios with musicians like Stewart Copeland and Brian James. The next year, he went back to the United States. There, he got married and started a new band called Choice.

In 1982, Ted joined Joey Molland's Badfinger and toured across the country with them. From 1983 to 1985, he worked on different recording projects. In 1985, he moved to Chicago and recorded with various artists, including Sugar Blue.

Rejoining Wishbone Ash

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

Later that year, Ted and Andy Powell were invited to join the Night of the Guitar Tour. This tour featured many famous guitarists.

Ted sometimes appears as a special guest with "Martin Turner Ex-Wishbone Ash." This is a version of the band led by the original Wishbone Ash singer and bassist, Martin Turner (who is not related to Ted). For example, in 2012, they played in Birmingham to celebrate 40 years since the first Wishbone Ash album was released.

Ted and his wife Majella have also released two albums together. These are Better Together (2017) and Divine Timing (2020).

Ted Turner's Personal Life

In 1994, Ted's eleven-year-old son, Kipp, passed away in a car accident in Scottsdale, Arizona. This accident was caused by someone driving unsafely. Ted and his family worked hard to change the laws in Arizona about unsafe driving.

Ted married his wife, Majella, in February 2014. Majella is an English singer and actress. They lived in Phoenix, Arizona, before moving to Sedona, Arizona in June 2023.

Recognition and Awards

Ted Turner has received great recognition for his guitar playing. Rolling Stone magazine voted 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."

Ted Turner's Discography

With Wishbone Ash

• Wishbone Ash (1970)
• Pilgrimage (1971)
• Argus (1972)
• Wishbone Four (1973)
• Nouveau Calls (1987)
• Here to Hear (1989)
• Strange Affair (1991)

Solo Albums

• Eclektic Value (2010)

With Majella Turner

• Better Together (2017)
• Divine Timing (2020)