Fred Turner (musician)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Fred Turner (born Charles Frederick Turner, 16 October 1943 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) was a member of the 1970s rock band Bachman-Turner Overdrive.

C. F. (Fred) Turner played in a number of bands during his early adult years, and was asked by Randy Bachman to join his band, Brave Belt, in 1972. Brave Belt was a country / rock band, but Turner's influence started making itself felt. His contributions on bass, Randy Bachman's guitar and writing talents, and Robbie Bachman's drumming skills soon morphed the band into Bachman-Turner Overdrive.

Their rock 'n' roll was hard driving, and the two front men (Turner and Bachman) were big and burly, much unlike their contemporaries. This uniqueness, Turner's voice, Bachman's song writing talent and guitar playing skills, and the rhythm section (bass and drums) led to their ascendancy as a major rock band of the 1970s.

BTO's debut album sold steadily, they hit big with their second album, BTO II, and struck pure gold with their third, Not Fragile.

Fred Turner was the lead vocalist on most of Bachman-Turner Overdrive's tracks. He is known for his powerful, soulful voice, as evinced on "Not Fragile", "House of the Rising Sun," "Let It Ride", and "Blue Collar".

Fred Turner last played on stage in 2004 with Randy Murray and was backed by members of the Little River Band when drummer Robin Bachman was unable to make BTO's last show. He is enjoying a well earned retirement, and is one of the most respected singers/players ever to come out of Canada.