Music became a part of Brit Turner’s life from a young age, with the influence of his father, who was once involved in a big band, and other musicians in the family (per NewsBytes). That interest led to the formation of Blackberry Smoke in later years, in which Turner played until his death this year.
Building Blackberry Smoke
Photo Credit: Rolling Stone
Turner co-founded Blackberry Smoke alongside his brother Richard, singer Charlie Starr, guitarist Paul Jackson, and later keyboardist Brandon Still, according to Wikipedia. The band released eight studio albums, influenced by Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Rolling Stones, and other Southern rock legends since their debut in 2003 (via Legacy.com).
Under Turner’s leadership, Blackberry Smoke rose to fame, with 2015’s ‘Holding All the Roses’ and 2016’s ‘Like an Arrow’ topping the Billboard Country Albums chart.
A Lifelong Advocate For Children
Photo Credit: Dream Cymbals
The singer and his band worked for the help of others in the past 24 years, raising over $700,000 for childhood cancer research through meet-and-greets, motorcycle rides, and other events.
Cure Childhood Cancer, an organization Blackberry Smoke worked with, explained on their website that Turner decided to help the cause of children with cancer after his daughter’s stage 4 neuroblastoma diagnosis in 2009. He also launched the Lana Turner Foundation to support art, music, and storytelling programs for children in treatment, The Sun wrote in 2020.
Health Battles And Legacy
Photo Credit: Modern Drummer
Like his daughter, Turner himself faced significant health issues in his later years. He suffered a heart attack in August 2022, followed shortly by a glioblastoma diagnosis, Planet Rock reported.
Despite undergoing surgery and treatment, he continued to play with Blackberry Smoke when possible. His final performance with the band took place on November 24, 2023, in Atlanta, where he was joined on stage by his daughter Lana (per Rolling Stone).
His Death And The Band’s Fate
Photo Credit: 12punto.com
The singer passed away on March 3, 2024, at the age of 57, following the release of his final record, ‘Be Right Here.’ His bandmates described him as the group’s guiding force in a statement on Facebook and X.
Still, Blackberry Smoke announced through Rolling Stone that they would continue performing to honor Turner’s memory. They have partnered with nonprofit organizations like FACT Relief and the Lana Turner Foundation to support families facing medical hardships.
