TONY TURNER MUSIC

Tony Turner 

Tony Turner is a Canadian singer-songwriter and, since 2017, a resident of Nanaimo, BC.  Since the early 1990s Tony has written and recorded well-crafted, thoughtful and sometimes humorous songs which he delivers with his rich baritone voice supported by capable acoustic guitar & harmonica work.

Tony has recorded three albums of original compositions as well as a seasonal EP. A new recording due in spring 2025 may be his most mature and revealing work yet, featuring original songs of survival & resilience  and change from personal, societal and historical perspectives. 

A writer with a social conscience, Tony has the ability to channel the issues of our times into musical observations and reflections. Not typically labelled a protest singer, his audience-involved tune Harperman became a YouTube hit, the centrepiece of political rallies across Canada, and garnered Tony a Spirit of Folk award from Folk Alliance International for its impact. Tony’s much-loved anthem of unity Circle of Song was published in Rise Again, the sequel to the popular Rise Up Singing folk songbook.  In 2016, the Spirit of Tony Turner award named in his honour in his former home of Ottawa where he developed and honed his songwriting and performing skills.  Each year an individual, is awarded a “SofTTie” for the selfless giving of their time and talent to the local music community. 

Tony Turner Trio

Sad to have lost our talented and dapper bass player Joe Spinelli early in 2025. We think of you often Joe…  Tony Turner Trio is Nanaimo-based acoustic trio that perform original songs mostly penned by Tony.  The trio consists of Tony Turner on acoustic guitar, harmonica and lead vocals, Arlene Carson on piano, accordion & supporting vocals and Joe Spinelli on upright bass. While firmly anchored in the roots tradition, the trio’s repertoire has touches of blues and pop and the some songs are injected with humour and  just the right of amount of audience. involvement.