Correspondent

Long past the time when most men would have hung their professional hats upon the peg of retirement, Buster Turner remains extremely active within the local music scene keeping pace with fellow musicians one-third his age.

The 77 year old local music legend says he does not see himself slowing down until he is "called home to Glory." Turner has so many irons in the fire, one wonders just how he manages to find the energy to devote to his Turner Music Theater activities. Music lessons, sales and service of all manner of musical items, live performances and the managing of the low power radio station WTAZ-FM are just a few of the duties facing Turner every morning. But, those duties seem only to fuel the flames of productivity gleaned from the long hours Turner puts into his "first love" - music.

The seven decades long love affair with music was honored by Claiborne County Mayor Virgil Herrell, who recently signed a proclamation designating Sept. 17, 2005, as Buster Turner Day inside the county.

In the proclamation, Herrell praised Turner for his preservation and enrichment of the region's musical heritage through his recorded and live performances of bluegrass and old-time mountain music.

"...this man should be honored for his support of the music of our region, by the use of his God-given talents...." the proclamation reads, in part.

Turner says he can remember but one other time in which he was so honored, referring to the May 1997 adoption of State House Resolution No. 100, drafted by then State Rep. Mark Goins.

In the resolution, Goins commended Turner for his exemplary musical career and his Christian life of devotion, faith and virtue.

Today, Turner devotes most of his energies utilizing The Turner Music Theater and radio station WTAZ-FM to promote his faith and music.

One need only tune his dial to 98.3 FM, and the music of yesteryear is instantly brought to life. The listener will hear a rich blend of gospel, traditional and bluegrass music mixed with a full line-up of local church programs and variety shows too numerous to mention.

Long gone are the days of the popular radio program, the "Tobacco Hour," and the young man who began his musical career standing before a microphone hooked by remote to the local radio station. But, somehow, Turner has managed to bring back those exciting days of live performances with his weekly Saturday evening program, the Buster Turner Bluegrass Show, which begins its live broadcast at 7 p.m.

When not deejaying, the musician can be found somewhere inside the Turner Music Theater, perhaps instructing a student in the fine points of instrumentation or, assisting a customer with the purchase of guitar strings or some other musical paraphernalia.

During his illustrious career, Turner has rubbed shoulders with the likes of Archie Campbell, Mac Wiseman, Johnny Cash, Roy Acuff, Dolly Parton, the Stanley Brothers, Flatt and Scruggs, and many other award winning entertainers.

Several years ago, Turner penned the crossover hit song, "Beautiful Altar of Prayer." Recorded by Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, the song quickly climbed to the number one position on both the gospel and bluegrass charts and was later nominated for a Dove Award.

Turner says his mother's diligent prayers for him was the inspiration for the song.

Turner Music Theater, which houses radio station WTAZ-FM, is located at 222 South Broad Street in New Tazewell. You can find Turner most any morning, noon and night inside the popular hang out, going about the business of music.

Radio station WTAZ-FM is a non-profit endeavor, and is kept on the air solely through the generosity of those who contribute to its financial operation.

A lightening strike to the radio transmitter and other equipment on Dec. 2nd temporarily halted the broadcasting capabilities of WTAZ-FM. However, the problem has been corrected, and the popular station is now back on the air.

For more information about Turner Music Theater and radio station WTAZ-FM, you may telephone (423) 626-0363.