This week, Ira spoke with Sonny Turner.
Legendary vocalist Sonny Turner, former lead singer of The Platters, performs in the Access Showroom at Aliante Casino February 11.
Turner hit the national scene in 1959, when he was selected from 100 prospects to replace The Platters’ original lead singer, Tony Williams. Starting at age 19, Turner toured the world with The Platters, performing hits “I Love You 1000 Times,” “With This Ring,” and “Washed Ashore.”
He also re-recorded the group’s major songs, including “Only You,” “The Great Pretender” and “The Magic Touch.”
In 1970, Turner left The Platters to pursue a solo career. His vocals can be heard on the soundtracks of movies “The Nutty Professor II” starring Eddie Murphy, “Hearts in Atlantis” starring Anthony Hopkins and “Prince of the City” starring Robert DeNiro.
In 2005, Turner received The Lifetime Excellence in Entertainment Award presented to him by Consumer’s Entertainment Exchange and the Doo Wop Hall of Fame. He is also a member of The Vocal Group Hall of Fame and Beach Music Hall of Fame for his musical contributions to The Platters.
