Walter Turnbull facts for kids
Dr. Walter Turnbull (born July 19, 1944, in Greenville, Mississippi – died March 23, 2007) was an American musician. He is best known as the founder of the famous Boys Choir of Harlem.
Walter Turnbull studied music at Tougaloo College, where he focused on classical music and singing. He was a very talented singer.
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His Musical Journey
In 1968, Walter Turnbull moved to New York City. There, he continued his education at the Manhattan School of Music. He also began performing as a tenor singer with the New York Philharmonic, which is a very famous orchestra.
The Start of Something Special
When he first arrived in New York, Walter Turnbull started teaching music at a church in Harlem. This small church group quickly became a popular choir in the city. With his guidance, this group grew and grew.
The Boys Choir of Harlem
Eventually, the church choir transformed into the internationally recognized Boys Choir of Harlem. This choir became famous around the world for its amazing performances. Dr. Turnbull's vision was to use music to help young boys from Harlem develop their talents and build bright futures. The choir provided a safe and inspiring place for them to learn and grow.
Awards and Recognition
In 1999, Dr. Turnbull was honored with the 5th Annual Heinz Award in the Arts and Humanities. This award recognized his incredible work and dedication to music and education. It showed how much his efforts had impacted the lives of many young people.
His Legacy
Dr. Walter Turnbull passed away on March 23, 2007, in a New York City hospital after an illness. His legacy lives on through the thousands of young men whose lives he touched and inspired through the Boys Choir of Harlem. He showed how music can be a powerful tool for positive change and opportunity.
