Ken Turner

From his humble beginnings as a share cropper's son in South Carolina, to the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, Ken Turner has left his mark in music and upon the hearts men.

From boyhood, Ken dreamed of becoming a singer. His dream became even more focused one night after hearing the Blackwood Brothers on the "Arthur Godfrey Show." He wanted to sing with THEM. And following in his father's footsteps, Ken sang bass, and sang it well.

This was proven when Ken was in the army, stationed in the Philippines. He performed with a barber shop quartet which won first place in an all armed forces talent contest. The winners received two day passes to Hong Kong. Ken was delighted. He boarded the plane, which upon take off was summoned back to the hanger. An officer needed a seat, and took Ken's. No worries, as he took the next flight. After several days in Hong Kong, Ken returned to Clark Air Force Base where he was stationed, where he was greeted with cheers and applause. His friends told him that the plane he had been on had crashed, leaving no survivors. God's hand had sustained Ken, and he would never forget it.

After returning state side, Ken married and had two girls, Tammy and Kenna. And while delivering Coca-Cola in Greenville, SC, he sang in several gospel quartets. His first big career break came when he landed the job as bass singer for the Palmetto State Quartet, a regionally successful group, who regularly appeared on local television ("Bob Poole's Gospel Hour," of which they owned part of the show). Ken was then offered a job with the Florida-based Dixie Echoes Quartet. It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase his many talents, in comedy and in song. Ken's funny antics and charisma on stage won him fans everywhere they performed. The Dixie Echoes were also regularly featured on the popular national TV show, "Gospel Singing Jubilee." He enjoyed three successful years with the group.

Then in 1971, the phone rang. It was James Blackwood. He asked Ken if he would like to join the Blackwood Brothers Quartet. Ken's dream was finally realized! That year, his first RCA recording with the group, "L-O-V-E," won a Grammy Award. The group would go on to win 4 more with Ken, plus countless Dove Awards and other accolades. Their song, "Learning To Lean," broke all records up to that point in gospel music history, staying at #1 for 18 months. They had the opportunity to appear on many network television shows, like NBC's "The Tom Snyder Show," "The Dinah Shore Show," "The Barbara Mandrell Show," and "Hee-Haw," as well as appearing on several Billy Graham crusades, and had their own television program for years, broadcast around the world.

In 1986, Ken left the Blackwood Brothers, and began a ministry with his wife, Judy. Still, he would perform part time with the James Blackwood Quartet. Then the Lord began to open new doors for Ken and Judy. Russia. The Caribbean. And especially, the Dominican Republic. This lovely yet impoverished island has become the thrust of their missions program, with the couple taking TONS of supplies into the nation each year. Medicine and medical supplies to the hospitals and nursing homes, clothing, toys, school supplies, music equipment, and much more. The couple are planning on purchasing property there, with the help of government officials and the favor of God, to establish a school, a church, a distribution center, and a medical clinic. They hold annual crusades in Puerto Plata each year where many people have prayed with them to make Christ their Savior. In January of 2002, Ken and Judy will be conducting a NATIONAL crusade there, where it is projected that thousands will come to Jesus Christ.