Josh Turner, born Joshua Otis Turner on November 20, 1977, in Hannah, South Carolina, is an American country and gospel singer-songwriter.
Raised in a close-knit, Christian family, Turner’s early life was shaped by his faith and love for music, which he nurtured through singing in church choirs and founding a gospel quartet called Thankful Hearts.
After graduating from Hannah-Pamplico High School, he briefly attended Francis Marion University before transferring to Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue a music career.
His move to Nashville marked the beginning of a journey that would establish him as a prominent figure in country music, blending heartfelt lyrics with a classic style influenced by legends like Hank Williams.
Siblings
Josh grew up with two siblings, a brother named Matthew Turner and a sister named Carrie Turner.
While little is publicly known about Matthew and Carrie’s personal lives, they played a role in Turner’s formative years in rural South Carolina.
Career
Turner’s career took off after his 2001 debut at the Grand Ole Opry, where he performed his original song “Long Black Train,” inspired by Hank Williams.
The performance earned him a standing ovation and a record deal with MCA Nashville Records.
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In 2003, he released his debut album, Long Black Train, with the title track peaking at No. 13 on the Billboard country charts and earning gold certification.
His 2006 sophomore album, Your Man, solidified his stardom with two No. 1 hits, “Your Man” and “Would You Go with Me.”
Subsequent albums, including Everything Is Fine (2007), Haywire (2010), and Punching Bag (2012), produced hits like “Why Don’t We Just Dance” and “Time Is Love,” the latter being the biggest country hit of 2012 according to Billboard Year-End.
Turner’s music often reflects his faith, with gospel influences evident in projects like his 2018 album I Serve a Savior.
Beyond music, he has acted in films like Billy: The Early Years (2008) and supports charitable causes through the Josh Turner Scholarship Fund for the Arts, aiding aspiring artists from rural areas.
Accolades
In 2007, at age 29, Turner became one of the youngest members inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, a prestigious honor presented by Vince Gill.
His albums and singles have achieved multiple certifications, with “Your Man” reaching triple platinum status and “Long Black Train” earning gold.
Turner has received nominations from major organizations, including the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM), for awards such as Male Vocalist of the Year and Song of the Year.
His ability to blend traditional country with gospel elements has also garnered praise from industry veterans like Bill Gaither, who collaborated with Turner on I Serve a Savior.
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