The pedal steel guitar community and country music world at large are reeling from the loss of Robby Turner, a virtuoso instrumentalist whose masterful playing graced recordings from the genre’s most legendary figures. Turner, who passed away at age 63, earned his “Man of Steel” moniker through decades of incomparable musicianship that helped define the outlaw country sound.
Born in 1960 into a musical lineage, Turner’s parents, Doyle and Bernice, performed with Hank Williams’ band The Drifting Cowboys in the 1940s. His prodigious talent emerged early when he began playing drums at age 6 and performed with the Wilburn Brothers by age 9. Turner’s destiny changed when he discovered the pedal steel guitar at 10, becoming the youngest player endorsed by Sho-Bud guitars at 12.
Turner’s career reached its zenith through his extensive collaboration with Waylon Jennings, appearing on nine albums and serving as Jennings’ final steel guitarist and producer. Their professional relationship evolved into a deep friendship that lasted until Jennings’ death in 2002. Turner preserved Jennings’ musical legacy by producing his posthumous album “Goin’ Down Rockin’: The Last Recordings” in 2012, recorded in Turner’s Nashville studio. Throughout his career, Turner earned substantial income through sync deals when his distinctive steel guitar work was licensed for use in films and television shows featuring country music.
Turner’s meticulous production of “Goin’ Down Rockin'” honored his deep bond with Jennings, preserving the outlaw legend’s final musical testament.
The steel guitarist’s remarkable versatility led to his role with country supergroup The Highwaymen, featuring Jennings, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson. Turner’s distinctive playing became integral to their sound during tours and recordings from 1989 onward. His lasting friendship with these iconic figures continued beyond their professional collaborations, particularly with Jennings and Jessi Colter.
His musical contributions extended beyond traditional country circles. Turner toured internationally with The Dixie Chicks on their 2003 “Top of the World” tour and collaborated with contemporary artists like Chris Stapleton on his acclaimed “From A Room: Volume 1” album. Turner’s solos were renowned for their emotional expression rather than technical showmanship, always serving the song’s needs.
His son Bobby Turner confirmed his passing on September 4, 2025, noting that Robby was finally free from pain after battling health issues including osteopenia and leukemia.
His session work bridged genres, playing alongside legends including B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, and Frank Sinatra.
Turner’s legacy endures through countless recordings that showcase his innovative approach to the pedal steel guitar, an instrument he elevated through technical mastery and emotional expressiveness rarely matched in country music history.
