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Red Turner

Ulys Ralph Turner (March 17, 1916 - September 6, 1995) was an American musician who played mandolin, banjo, fiddle, guitar and bass guitar as well as a singer - songwriter. He performed at the Renfro Valley Barn Dance in Kentucky and The Midwestern Hayride on WLW in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Personal Life
Turner was born in Middlesboro, Kentucky, United States, the youngest of eleven siblings. Friends said that Turner seemed to be born with musical talent, and always dreamed of becoming a professional performer. He mastered the banjo, fiddle, bass and rhythm guitar despite never having a formal music lesson in his life. Turner married Emma Monday on August 25th, 1936, and they had two children (Alleen Turner, 1937-2022 and James Turner, b.1939- ). He and his brother Lige became television celebrities, singing and playing country music while performing comedy routines. Red also made some country gospel recordings at King Records in Cincinnati, Ohio with Grandpa Jones and the Delmore Brothers. He was also a member of The Brown's Ferry Four.

Career
Turner started his performance career as The Turner Brothers with his brother Monroe "Lige" Turner playing parties and bars in Southern Kentucky and Florida. The Turner Brothers secured a spot at the Renfro Valley Barn Dance from 1942 - 1945. In 1946, The Brothers popularity and talent won them a spot on The Midwestern Hayride in Cincinnati, Ohio. Lige Turner left show business in the late 40's and Red continued performing with James Grishaw " Zeke Turner" as The Kentucky Boys. In addition, Red performed with Jerry Byrd in the Pleasant Valley Boys. Red retired from show business in 1954.

After retiring from show business, Turner became an evangelist. He spoke at many churches in the greater Cincinnati area, and founded the Covington Baptist Temple where he served as pastor for 15 years. He continued to perform for private audiences, tune pianos and was an avid golfer.

Awards and recognition
Turner was one of the first inductees into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame in 2002, where his favorite guitar and fiddle are on display.

Death
Red Turner died of cancer at 79 in Covington, Kentucky.