Blackberry Smoke drummer Brit Turner passes away at age 57

Brit Turner, drummer for Blackberry Smoke, has tragically passed away at the age of 57, leaving the music community heartbroken once again. Shortly following the release of their 8th studio album, Be Right Here, the band confirmed the sad news. Brit had been battling glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, since 2022, and underwent surgery to remove a tumor. His health struggles were further compounded by a heart attack in the same year.

Several members of the country music community expressed their condolences on social media, with figures like Cody Canada, Muscadine Bloodline, Drake White, Randy Houser, The Cadillac Three, Duane Betts, The Steel Woods, Tanner Usrey, and many others sharing their heartfelt messages.

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Brit Turner's Health Challenges

In 2022, Brit Turner experienced a medical emergency, leading to his immediate hospitalization. The band disclosed that Turner had endured a recent heart attack, and it was suspected that his current medical crisis was related to this previous cardiac event. Following an MRI scan, doctors identified a tumor on Turner's frontal lobe.

Musical Roots and Influences

Originally from Mt. Clemons, Michigan, Brit Turner was raised in Smyrna, Georgia. Reflecting on his musical beginnings in a 2012 guest post for Modern Drummer, Turner recalled receiving a snare drum as a Christmas gift from his parents before the 6th grade. 

He fondly remembered it as a purple sparkle Stewart set. Turner's father played in a big band during his early days while serving as an Air Force officer. Additionally, his grandmother played the piano, and his uncle, Brit, played the guitar, exposing Turner to music from a young age.

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