The accomplished Robby Turner, known throughout the Nashville music community as the "Man of Steel," died on Thursday, Sep. 4, at the age of 62.
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The beloved session musician earned his moniker because of his prodigious talent on the steel guitar. His versatility led him to perform with a diverse array of artists, including Sturgill Simpson, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Vince Gill, B.B. King, and many others.
Robby Turner Was a True Prodigy
Robby Turner seemed destined for musical greatness from the moment he was born in Jackson, Mississippi, in either 1962 or 1963 (his birth date is not public knowledge). His parents played with The Drifting Cowboys, the backing band for Hank Williams. At the age of six, he played drums in his father's band, which led to a gig with the duo, the Wilburn Brothers, at the age of nine.
Turner took up steel guitar when he was 10 years old. Two years later, he was chosen by guitarist Shot Jackson to endorse the Sho-Bud pedal steel guitar.
When Robby Turner Met Waylon Jennings
Turner is perhaps best known for his friendship with Waylon Jennings. His steel guitar can be heard on the second album by The Highwaymen, the country music supergroup that featured Jennings and Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson.
Turner later joined the Highwaymen's backing band when they toured in 1990. He continued collaborating with Jennings on several projects over the years. Their close relationship lasted until Jennings' death in 2002. Turner even had the honor of finishing 'Goin' Down Rockin',' the 2012 album of Jennings' last recordings.
Turner Was A True Music Lover
The musician also toured with The Chicks and a who's who of country artists. But he probably earned some of his greatest nods for his work on Chris Stapleton's 2015 album 'Traveler.'
"One can't describe the gratitude felt to see the outpouring of support and kind words for my involvement in Chris Stapleton's 'Traveler' record," Turner posted on Facebook. "I did not start playing music with winning awards in mind. I have a deeply embedded love for music and the history of it that has been inside of me before I ever picked up my first instrument."
Before his death, Turner's son Bobby shared on Facebook that his father had been dealing with several health issues, including leukemia and severe osteopenia, and later announced Turner's passing on Thursday.
The impact Turner had on others was profound. Benjo Markus, a protege of Turner's, paid tribute to his mentor on social media.
"He was one of the funniest and most caring people I've ever met, and it's truly an honor to have been trusted with sharing his legacy.
Turner added, "He gave me my first bar and picks, loaned me one of his steels when I was first getting started, and helped hook me up with my first steel. He was a wealth of knowledge on all things steel, country music, engineering, and musicianship in general."
Photo via Getty Images
