Josh Turner

An icon of neo-traditionalist country music during the 2000s, Hannah, SC, native Josh Turner explicitly modeled his style and approach to vocals upon those of icon Hank Williams, and in fact reportedly authored his first blockbuster single, "Long Black Train," (2003) after feeling inspired by one of Williams' box sets. This brought Turner national attention and a broad fanbase, thanks in no small part to its willingness to grapple with Biblically oriented themes such as salvation and redemption. The same year's album, also entitled Long Black Train and supervised by one-time Dolly Parton producer Frank Rogers, performed equally well. Turner issued follow-up recordings, Your Man and Everything is Fine, in 2005 and 2007, respectively, and moved into film acting with a portrayal of Christian singer/songwriter George Beverly Shea in Robby Benson's Billy Graham biopic Billy: The Early Years (2008). ~ Rovi