Pree, Spyder and Gayle take a studio session break.
..
Spyder Turner's biggest hit, "Stand By Me," scratches the surface of one of the most multifaceted talents in the music industry. The Clay McMurray produced "Stand By Me," which features Spyder's on-target vocal imitations of many of fellow 1960s soul brothers such as Smokey Robinson, Chuck Jackson and Jackie Wilson, belies Spyder's incredible talent as a songwriter and producer in his own right.
Spyder Turner was born Dwight Turner in West Virginia. He moved to Detroit with his family at a very young age. Drawn to music early on, he participated in glee club and boys' ensembles in school. Forming groups with a few buddies was de rigeur for young black men who came up listening to the "bird" groups of the '50s, and Spyder was no exception. He and a few of his friends created a group called the Nonchalants, and they harmonized to the current hits of the day.
All of Spyder's singing around Detroit paid off in 1966 when he teamed up with producer Clay McMurray to reinterpret Ben E. King's classic "Stand By Me." The song features Spyder's interpretation of other singers' interpretations of the heartfelt soul classic. As a result of his number one hit record, which started out as a demo, the 19 year old Spyder Turner was invited to perform at the Apollo Theater, where he had won a talent show three years earlier.
Later on, Spyder cowrote songs with legendary songwriter Norman Whitfield. One of Spyder's songs, Rose Royce's "Do Your Dance," (1977) earned platinum status. This underrated soul legend also performed the title track in Berry Gordy's "Last Dragon" film. Beyond the musical arena, Spyder also made on-screen appearances in "Secret Agent Double-00-Soul" and "Street Wars."
His self-titled album, Spyder Turner, features an updated smooth rendition of his "Stand By Me." This version relies less on novelty and more on his own sensuous vocals. The other three songs on the album showcase his writing ability and the dexterity of his natural baritone vocals. A particular standout, "I Don't Wanna Go Home Tonight," is a blue lights in the basement jam that tells a story of forbidden love. This is a must have, must play track!
Spyder is an electrifying live performer who entrances audiences with his gritty vocals and unique blend of rock n' soul. In addition to performing, Spyder is currently hard at work on material for a new LIVE CD. Keep up with Spyder at www.spyderturner.com and www.myspace.com/spyderturner, for upcoming shows and the latest news.