Honoring Tommy Turner: The Showman

From the family: It is with heavy hearts that we write this. Our beloved father, grandfather. great-grandfather, brother, uncle, songwriter, composer, performer, and all out phenomenal showman, Thomas James Turner II, better known by his stage name 'Tommy Turner' sadly transitioned on the evening of Thursday, September 12th in Los Angeles, California. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by close family and friends.

Thomas was born in Dallas, Texas in 1944 and started off singing in the church as a youth. After graduating high school, he sang with The Marathons, which recorded the hit song 'Peanut Butter'. By 1965, Thomas worked with The Beatles publicist who landed him a television performance on 'ShinDig'. He has also performed at the Golden Globe Awards, Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, Public Television Oldies & Doo Wop Series, and has traveled internationally to perform with musical greats such as Chuck Berry, Jackie Wilson, Little Richard, Danny and the Juniors, Billy Preston, Jerry Lewis, The Drifters, Ike and Tina Turner, Dion and The Belmonts, The Rainbows, Chubby Checker, Jewel Akens, The Meadowlarks (The Larks), The Turnarounds, The Jazz Cadets, The Amazing Platters, The Medallions, The Coasters, and many more. He was a dynamic showman who was recently inducted into the Doo Wop Hall of fame with 'The Cadets', “Stranded In The Jungle".

We know that Thomas touched many lives, he was well-loved, and will be missed by so many. At this time, the family is asking for donations to help with final expenses, a celebration of his life, and to lay him to rest. Anything you can give will be more than enough and our family will be eternally grateful.

The date and time for funeral services has yet to be determined. Please return here for updates. Thank you for taking the time to read!