Stanley William Turrentine (April 5, 1934 – September 12, 2000), known as Mr. T, was an American jazz musician and record producer who received Grammy nominations. He started his career playing R&B music for Earl Bostic and later performed soul jazz for the Blue Note label beginning in 1960. During the 1970s, he worked with the CTI label and played jazz fusion. Critic Steve Huey noted that Turrentine was well-known for his rich, full sound and strong connection to the blues. In the 1960s, he was married to organist Shirley Scott, with whom he often recorded music. He was also the younger brother of trumpeter Tommy Turrentine, with whom he recorded music as well.

Biography

Turrentine was born in Pittsburgh's Hill District, Pennsylvania, United States. He grew up at 908 Bryn Mawr Road, Pittsburgh, in a third-floor apartment. He was part of a musical family. His father, Thomas Turrentine Sr., played the saxophone with Al Cooper's Savoy Sultans. His mother played stride piano, and his older brother, Tommy Turrentine, played the trumpet.

He began his successful career in blues and rhythm and blues bands. He was greatly influenced by Illinois Jacquet. He first toured with Lowell Fulson's band in 1951, when he was 17 years old. In 1953, Earl Bostic asked him to join his band, replacing John Coltrane. Turrentine also played in groups led by pianist and composer Tadd Dameron.

Turrentine received his only formal musical training during his time in the military in the mid-1950s. In 1959, he left the military and joined the band of drummer Max Roach.

He married organist Shirley Scott in 1960. The two often performed and recorded music together. In the 1960s, he worked with organist Jimmy Smith and made many soul jazz recordings with Smith and as a leader. Scott and Turrentine divorced in 1971.

Turrentine turned to jazz fusion and signed with Creed Taylor's CTI label. His first album for CTI, Sugar, recorded in 1970, became one of his biggest successes and an important recording for the label. It was followed by Don't Mess with Mister T. (1973). He worked with musicians such as Freddie Hubbard, Milt Jackson, George Benson, Bob James, Richard Tee, Idris Muhammad, Ron Carter, Grant Green, and Eric Gale. In the 1980s, he returned to playing soul jazz and continued into the 1990s.

Turrentine lived in Fort Washington, Maryland, from the early 1990s until his death.

He died of a stroke in New York City on September 12, 2000, at the age of 66. He was buried in Pittsburgh's Allegheny Cemetery.

Accolades

The Grammy Awards are given every year by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Turrentine has received three nominations.