When singer Spyder Turner steps on stage, he weaves an intricate musical web of soul with a touch of rock to ensnare audiences.
Feel the power of his performance at Greektown Casino on Saturday.
"Onstage is where I am happiest," says Turner. "I am in a zone, and the world is shut out. It is my party."
The West Virginia native, born Dwight David Turner, came to Detroit at the age of 5 with his family of musicians and singers.
Since, Turner, 60, has performed at legendary venues such as the Apollo in New York and nightclub 20 Grand in Detroit. The Chadsey High School grad went on to score a hit, singing a cover of "Stand By Me" with a local group called the Fabulous Counts. For the song, Turner imitated both James Brown and Jackie Wilson.
Over the years, Turner has written and produced songs, such as "Do Your Dance" for Rose Royce, and worked with the original members of the Four Tops on a CD project. He also sang the theme song (using the name Dwight David) for the 1985 Berry Gordy film "Last Dragon."
And he still hasn't slowed down. Turner says people who come to his show can expect nothing but excitement. "At 60, I am still spinning and jumping down on one knee. The party is on."
You can reach Ursula Watson at (313) 222-2613 or uwatson@ detnews.com.
Pree, Spyder and Gayle take a studio session break.
Spyder Turner's biggest hit, "Stand By Me," scratches the surface of one of the most multifaceted talents in the music industry. The Clay McMurray produced "Stand By Me," which features Spyder's on-target vocal imitations of many of fellow 1960s soul brothers such as Smokey Robinson, Chuck Jackson and Jackie Wilson, belies Spyder's incredible talent as a songwriter and producer in his own right.
Spyder Turner was born Dwight Turner in West Virginia. He moved to Detroit with his family at a very young age. Drawn to music early on, he participated in glee club and boys' ensembles in school. Forming groups with a few buddies was de rigeur for young black men who came up listening to the "bird" groups of the '50s, and Spyder was no exception. He and a few of his friends created a group called the Nonchalants, and they harmonized to the current hits of the day.
All of Spyder's singing around Detroit paid off in 1966 when he teamed up with producer Clay McMurray to reinterpret Ben E. King's classic "Stand By Me." The song features Spyder's interpretation of other singers' interpretations of the heartfelt soul classic. As a result of his number one hit record, which started out as a demo, the 19 year old Spyder Turner was invited to perform at the Apollo Theater, where he had won a talent show three years earlier.
Later on, Spyder cowrote songs with legendary songwriter Norman Whitfield. One of Spyder's songs, Rose Royce's "Do Your Dance," (1977) earned platinum status. This underrated soul legend also performed the title track in Berry Gordy's "Last Dragon" film. Beyond the musical arena, Spyder also made on-screen appearances in "Secret Agent Double-00-Soul" and "Street Wars."
His self-titled album, Spyder Turner, features an updated smooth rendition of his "Stand By Me." This version relies less on novelty and more on his own sensuous vocals. The other three songs on the album showcase his writing ability and the dexterity of his natural baritone vocals. A particular standout, "I Don't Wanna Go Home Tonight," is a blue lights in the basement jam that tells a story of forbidden love. This is a must have, must play track!
Spyder is an electrifying live performer who entrances audiences with his gritty vocals and unique blend of rock n' soul. In addition to performing, Spyder is currently hard at work on material for a new LIVE CD. Keep up with Spyder at www.spyderturner.com and www.myspace.com/spyderturner, for upcoming shows and the latest news.
HEY SPYDER IT'S IN THE POCKET OF NOTEWORTHY,HAVEN'T TALK TO YOU IN LONG TIME. HOPE YOUR OK MUCH LOVE FROM IN THE POCKET & THE NOTEWORTHY BAND PEACE!!!!!!!!!!
I can only be as good as the Artists that I showcase.
Without The True Groundbreakers such as yourself, there would be no Classic Rock, Modern Blues, or even Hip-Hop (in the forms that they have today).
And if it's true that one cannot know where they are going until they have understood and seen where they have come from...that explains some of the periods in modern music where "performers" have fallen flat onto their "creative" faces attempting to "get rich quick" and attain "stardom".
Part of "paying dues" is acquiring Knowledge about the History of your craft...not just knowing who your peers are...
HEY BROTHER SPYDER,ONE OF THE GREATEST!!ENTERTAINER EVER!!LIVE. HAD A BALL WITH OLLIE WOODSON IN JAPAN TOKYO. YOU KNOW WE TURN IT OUT!!GOOD TO BE BACK!!THANK YOU FOR THE WONDERFUL!!COMMENT MY BROTHER!!PEACE AND LOVE!!
Spyder "You da Man" Turner How are you doing? You've been my hero since the 60's and I just want you to know that you are the BEST!!!!! Take care and God Bless!! Have a wonderful week. Your #1 Fan and friend , Ray Davis
Today, see if you can stretch your heart and expand your love so that it touches not only those to whom you can give it easily, but also those who need it so much.
Hi backatcha, and thanks for re-adding me! I didn't know you had dropped off my list till I went and put together a category for all the Northern soul people here...anyhow, it's good to have you back!! :)
Hey Spyder!! Thanks for stopping by man. I love your music brother, you surely rock That's for sure. Have a wonderful remainder of the week and a good weekend!
