Story added by kamsismith on December 8, 2024
Born in Leeds, Richard Turner’s prodigious musical talent emerges early, leading him through the halls of Allerton Grange School and into the prestigious Leeds College of Music and Royal Academy of Music. Against the backdrop of Britain’s vibrant yet unforgiving jazz scene, Richard forms Round Trip, a contemporary jazz quartet that redefines boundaries, while also performing with indie-pop sensations Friendly Fires. As a perfectionist, Richard’s passion for jazz becomes both his driving force and an unrelenting challenge. Battling self-doubt, creative pressures, and the complexities of carving out a career in music, he pushes the limits of his craft, earning admiration from peers and audiences alike. In the summer of 2011, at just 27, Richard’s life is tragically cut short by a sudden aortic aneurysm while swimming, leaving behind a heartbroken family, collaborators, and a burgeoning legacy. But his story doesn’t end there. Through the establishment of the Richard Turner Jazz Fund, his influence continues to support the dreams of young jazz musicians, ensuring his music and ethos live on.
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