Turney began his career in the
Midwest, playing in
territory bands such as the
Jeter-Pillars Orchestra.[1] He played with
Tiny Bradshaw in
Chicago before moving to
New York City, where he performed with the
Billy Eckstine Orchestra in 1945–1946.[1] Turney had little luck in New York, however, and returned to Ohio to play in local ensembles through the 1950s.[1] He toured with
Ray Charles in 1967 traveling to the Far East and Australia, then was hired by
Duke Ellington, in whose orchestra he played from 1969 to 1973.[1] He was hired to play alto saxophone as an "insurance policy" due to the declining health of
Johnny Hodges.[1] He was the first flute soloist to ever play in Ellington's orchestra. He also played tenor saxophone in the band. Amongst his own compositions was "Chequered Hat", written in tribute to Hodges.[1]
Following his tenure with Ellington, he played with the
Savoy Sultans and the Newport All-Stars, as well as in several pit orchestras.[1] In the 1980s, he toured and recorded as a member of the Oliver Jackson Quintet, with
Ali Jackson,
Irvin Stokes, and
Claude Black.[3]
Turney recorded as a leader between 1975 and 1978, and released the CD, Big, Sweet 'n Blue in 1993. He died of
kidney failure in 2001, at the age of 79.[2]