Willie Tee (Wilson Turbinton) was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. on 6th
February 1944. As a child he showed musical talent and began to play piano
at an early age. His older brother, Earl Turbinton, was
to become a respected jazz saxophonist. The piano was Willie
Tee’s initial instrument (later the hammond organ) and he formed his first band, with his
brother Earl, whilst at school. The group was named, the
Seminoles, and reflected Willie Tee’s interest in the musical traditions
of the Mardi Gras. His first records was Always Accused / All For One recorded in 1962 and issued on A.F.O, a label run as a co-operative by local jazz and R&B performers, including Willie Tee’s high school music teacher, Harold Battiste. It wasn’t until he was taken on by another local label, NOLA records that he found fame with Teasin’ You and the B side Walking Up A One Way Street.; arranged by Wardell Quezerque. The record was leased to New York's much larger Atlantic record label and it entered the Billboard US Charts. The record became a favorite play in the london all night club scene in 1965 during the 60's soul explosion. As did the follow up 45 Thank You John, also issued on Atlantic records. I Want Somebody (to show me the way back home) / You Better Say Yes was his last single issued with Atlantic records.
He went on to record You Gonna Pay Some Dues / Ain't That True Baby on Bonatemp record label in 1966. This is his rarest record and has been sold for many thousands of pounds. NOLA produced Please Don't Go in 1967 another 45 that commands a vey high price.
He formed his own label with Ulis Gaines, GATUR, in 1968 and released eight 45's until 1971. Capital had two releases one written by Bacharach & David, Reach Out For Me / Love Of A Married Man in 1970.
He was also persuaded by jazzman Cannonball Adderley to join a production company that he had formed. This led to Willie Tee’s first album release, I’m Only a Man, taken from the 45 issued on Capital records in 1971.
The two brothers also helped to launch a music academy for young people that evolved into the New Orleans Centre for Creative Arts in the 1980's.
He can be credited with the foundations of the New Orleans funk scene. Willie Tee’s discography lends itself quite naturally to the hip-hop scene that took over the city during the 1980s and 1990s. This wide-reaching influence and enduring underground success means that Tee’s impact can still be felt on the music scene of New Orleans to this day.
In 2002 Tuff City Records issued a CD/LP Willie Tee Teasin' You on Night Train International which covers most of his early 45's (20 tracks on CD) apart from First Taste Of Hurt. NTI CD 7136. Sadly, it is out of print.
Willie Tee, singer, musician and producer, He died on September 11, 2007, aged 63.
