Turner Foddrell facts for kids

Turner Foddrell was a talented American musician. He played the guitar and sang Piedmont blues and folk music. Turner performed all over the United States and even in Europe. He often played by himself, but also with his brother, Marvin. Later, his son, Lynn, joined them on stage too.

Turner's Musical Journey

Turner Foddrell was born on June 22, 1928, in a musical family. They lived near Stuart, Virginia. His father, Posey Foddrell, was a very skilled musician. He played many instruments, like the fiddle, mandolin, piano, banjo, and guitar. Posey was well-known in their area. The Foddrell family had lived in the Stuart area for many years. They did not often travel far from home.

When Turner grew up, he owned a general store. It also had a gas station attached to it. This store was on Virginia State Route 8, close to the North Carolina border.

How Turner and Marvin Were Discovered

In the 1970s, Turner and his older brother Marvin were "discovered." A local radio DJ found them playing music together. They were having a fun, unplanned jam session right in their store! After that, they became regular performers. They played at the Blue Ridge Folk Festival in Ferrum, Virginia. They also performed at the 1982 World's Fair in Knoxville, Tennessee. Their music even took them to blues festivals in Europe.

Playing Different Styles of Music

Turner and Marvin recorded music for a collection called Virginia Traditions. They played traditional songs they learned from their father. These included songs like "Reno Factory" and "Railroad Bill."

When they performed at Berea College, they showed off their skills. They played Piedmont blues songs, like "Drifting and Dreaming" and "She's Funny That Way." They also played country music songs, such as "Wildwood Flower" and "In the Jailhouse Now." They even performed Chicago blues songs, like "Key to the Highway."

They became popular with a special group of fans. They recorded a couple of albums together. Their album The Original Blues Brothers was recorded in the Netherlands in 1981. It was released in 1984. Turner's son, Lynn, started playing with them in 1982 and 1983.

Continuing the Music with His Son

After Marvin passed away in 1986, Turner and his son Lynn kept playing music together. They released one album as a duo.

Turner Foddrell passed away in January 1995, at 66 years old, due to an illness.

Some of their recordings are available through the Blue Ridge Institute. Turner's music has also appeared on various compilation albums. These are albums that collect songs from different artists. Some examples include Virginia Traditions: Western Piedmont Blues and Classic Appalachian Blues from Smithsonian Folkways.

Other musicians have also recorded Turner's song, "I'll Be Coming Home Every Saturday Night." Lightnin' Wells recorded it in 1998. The New Roanoke Jug Band also recorded it in 2005.

There are also photographs of the Foddrell Brothers. These pictures show them performing and being interviewed. They were taken on October 20, 1980.

Albums by Turner Foddrell

• Patrick County Rag (1983) - Billed as The Foddrell Brothers
• The Original Blues Brothers (1984) - Billed as Marvin & Turner Foddrell