UNCLE JOHN TURNER:
Goodbye To A Favorite Uncle
By Jerry Clayworth
(Originally published in The San Antonio Current)
With the passing of Johnnie Mac "Uncle John" Turner in the early morning hours of July 26th, due to complications from his long-fought battle against Hepatitis C, a little ray of light seemed to flutter out of sight....
Uncle John, or "Unc" as he was affectionately known, was one of those uncommon characters who occupied a small corner in the heart of just about everyone who's path he crossed. He was beloved for the never-ending collection of colorful stories that his adventures yielded, and for the sheer joy he had for life. Unc was at once a larger than life "folk hero" type, and a firm-footed realist. In fact, one could make the argument that Uncle John never shed a bad vibe for anyone or anything in this world. Yes, he was a truly rare breed, if not the proverbial "one of a kind".
I suppose I should mention that Uncle John Turner, originally from Port Arthur, TX, was a drummer. Not simply of your everyday variety, but a boundless legend. He was a member of the original Johnny Winter Band in the late-1960's, with whom he is credited as laying the groundwork for what we now know as the Texas blues-rock sound. After moving to Austin in 1970, Unc & Tommy Shannon formed Krackerjack, who's lineup included 16-year old guitarist Stevie (Ray) Vaughan. Over his 40+ years behind the drumkit, Turner would keep the beat for just about every icon in the biz.... Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King, Jerry LaCroix, Muddy Waters, Freddie King, Albert Collins, Willie Dixon, and Lightnin' Hopkins (who taught Unc the gentle art of opening a pack of Kool cigarettes from the bottom, so he "wouldn't get no germs on the filters").
Though I was no stranger to his history, I only first met Uncle John Turner in the mid-90's while I was booking musical acts for the old Billy Blues BBQ. We quickly became well acquainted, as Unc would show up regularly, playing with a variety of well-known Austin bands.
The thing that struck me initially about Unc was his appearance. He typically arrived in ornately custom-made western boots, rock-star hair flowing over his shoulders, a broad bandana headband, and often-times the look was capped with a colorful Virgin Of Guadalupe t-shirt. This was the "uniform" of a ready-to-work musician.
And the stories he shared were straight out of the rock-n-roll history books... From playing the Woodstock Festival with Johnny Winter, to hanging out with Jimi Hendrix until dawn the first time Jimi performed in San Antonio. I remember his lasting amazement at Freddie King's huge appetite, and the fact that he had apparently never been to a "blues club" that did not allow smoking, until playing Jalapeno's Blues Corner here in San Antonio ("Blues ain't just about the music" he told me, "You gotta be able to smoke a cigarette if you're gonna call it a real blues club").
He held a huge fascination for butterflies, too. I remember him telling me "You'll never see two of 'em that look alike. They're like fingerprints, only a whole lot prettier".
Through the years that I knew him, Unc's wonderful qualities never changed. He always had another memorable story, or a personal take on life, and he was always elated when approached by fans for an autograph, a photo, or a handshake.
I last saw Uncle John Turner perform in Houston just over a year ago, and as his gigs became more infrequent, I found out that he was quite ill. Suffering the effects of Hep C for years had taken it's toll on his liver, and he was waiting to qualify to be added to the national transplant list.
I feel so grateful that Unc invited me to visit with he & his beautiful wife & soulmate, Morgan, at their Austin home just a couple of days before he went into the hospital for the final time. He looked so good, and smiled alot as we talked about his health, music, and future plans. I had put together a benefit event here in San Antonio to assist Unc & Morgan with their mounting medical bills, then, a collective of Austin musicians who knew Uncle John followed suit with benefits in Austin & Houston. Unc wanted so badly to play at these events himself, but his health was simply prohibitive. I suggested that we put a tentative date on the calendar for late next year, to hold a big "Uncle John & Friends" show, which made his eyes light up. We were all inspired!
Our visit lasted about an hour, and as I was leaving I gave Unc a big hug, and he said "I love you, brother". Quite appropriate indeed, the last words that Unc spoke to me were words that summed up all I ever knew about him.
Now that I think about it, that "flutter" I mentioned earlier may not have been a light at all.... Keep your eyes on the butterflies.... The next one you see might just be Uncle John Turner. R.I.P. I love you too, Brother.
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