My Story
Who is Jontue Turner?
Jontue Turner is a versatile Drum Musician of all styles. Rather its a LIVE performance, an IN-STUDIO session, or private LESSONS, he approaches each musical situation with what's necessary! He lives by the mission & motto, "Be prepared to play, record, or teach the RIGHT note...", adopted from one of his mentors, Jason Thomas, Lead Drummer of DayStar Television Network. But before the Mentors & Mottos there was just the Music! Just the sticks & a kick in the possession of a 5 year old boy in West Memphis, Arkansas! This is where Jontue was born & discovered his musical gift.
However, it wasn't until after he moved to Dallas, Tx in 2003 that he truly felt he had the opportunity to hone in on his craft. In 2009, Turner began to heavily cultivate his gift by enrolling in Tarrant County College School of Music, were he studied Jazz, Big Band, Contemporary Worship, Hip Hop, Pop, and Gospel under the instruction and tutelage of Warren Dewey, and Rick Stitzel. Jontue also sought out personal music mentorship from World renown musician and intructor for Christ For The Nations, Keith Banks and drum extraordinaire Chris Knox, founder of Transition Center Music.
Jontue's Experience and Career Highlights are as follows:
- Lead Drummer for Downtown Fever Band of the Emerald City Company in Dallas Tx.
- During Kirk Franklin's development of the "Hello Fear" Album, Jontue was a part of an intensive 5 Day Demo Session of rehearsing and in-studio recording
- Lead Drummer for the Worship Ministry at Chase Oaks Church, Richardson Tx.
- Travels nationally with Hip Hop recording Artist, Bishop Ridge, ShySpeaks, Norris J, and Yung Rick.
- Former Drum Chair for the Northeast and Southeast Jazz Band.
- Live performances at the SXSW Music Festival 2014, 2015, 2016, MegaFest Conference 2013 and the Move Tour Dallas 2012, a shared platform with the likes of Jessica Reedy of Sunday's Best, Da, T.R.U.T.H, Tye Tribbet, Kierra Sheard, and more.
- Experience on DayStar Television Network
Jontue is most known for being a musician with character and integrity. He says that his most important goals are to "be confident with the gift that God has given me, to be an asset to every organization that I collaborate with, and to live a life pleasing to the Lord when I step away from my instrument!" He also says that Gospel music is his favorite genre of all because from a musical standpoint, it literally includes ALL genres. This is a true reflection of his strong faith and musical diversity, which is also evident in his drum influences, Will Kennedy, Chris Coleman, and Calvin Rodgers! When you combine his background, mentors, experience, influences, work ethic, character and a commitment to excellence, Jontue is on track to fulfill his lifelong mission of being an accomplished and effective drum teacher, clinician, and performer who specializes in In-Studio recording!