Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Kevin began playing guitar at the age of 9.  He was trained as a jazz guitarist but spent an equal amount of time playing in the pop genre.  At the age of 16, Kevin was introduced to the professional scene by jazz great Hank Marr when he joined Hank’s jazz organ trio.  Hank was Kevin’s music teacher at the performing arts high school where he attended.  Quickly becoming known throughout his hometown for his consummate skills on both guitar and bass, Kevin soon found success on the national stage when he served as sideman for pop and jazz legend Ray Charles in 1984. His soulful guitar solo on Ray Charles’ “Winter Wonderland” can still be heard each Christmas season throughout the world. Further, over the years, Kevin has performed, recorded or toured alongside a number of artists including Charles Earland, Jimmy Smith, George Howard, Diane Schuur, Destiny’s Child,The Winans, Oleta Adams, Lalah Hathaway, and Kirk Whalum. 

Stepping from behind the scenes in 2005, Kevin began his transition from sideman to front man with his first project- a jazz cd of hymns entitled HIM. This project generated much attention and critical acclaim in the music industry with Kevin receiving a Stellar nomination as well as two national music awards.  Kevin’s upcoming release in 2011 will undoubtedly solidify him as a front man and will further broaden his national exposure.

Besides being a performer, Kevin is a writer, producer and educator.  He co-wrote (with his wife Cynthia Turner) and produced two projects by the national recording gospel ensemble Cynthia Turner and Heartspeak. This award-winning group has performed across the country and has been featured on BET’s  Bobby Jones Gospel Show. Kevin holds an undergraduate degree in Jazz Studies from Ohio State University and a master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois. Kevin has served as a faculty member in the jazz department at the Ohio State University as well as taught in the jazz department at the University of Illinois. He currently teaches orchestra in public school where he instructs students in the study of violin, viola, cello and string bass.

Kevin's personal website is kevinturnermusic.com.