William Ross Turpin (born February 8, 1971) is an American musician. He is best known for being the bassist of the rock band Collective Soul. He is also a solo artist, and tours with his backing band, the Way. His debut EP, The Lighthouse, was released in 2011. He owns an indie record label called Gooey Music.
Will Turpin | |
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![]() Turpin at Eddie's Attic in Decatur, Georgia (2021) | |
Background information | |
Birth name | William Ross Turpin |
Born | [1] Fairbanks, Alaska, U.S.[2] | February 8, 1971
Origin | Stockbridge, Georgia, U.S. |
Genres | Alternative rock, hard rock, post-grunge |
Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter, producer |
Instrument(s) | Bass, keyboards, vocals, piano, percussion, drums, guitar |
Years active | 1993–present |
Labels | Gooey |
Turpin was born in Fairbanks, Alaska, and raised in Stockbridge, Georgia.[3] Turpin's father, Bill, opened Real 2 Reel Studios in nearby Jonesboro, Georgia in 1976.[4]
Turpin began taking piano lessons when he was eight years old.[5] He majored in percussion while attending Florida State University and Georgia State University.[5] He is married to Donna,[3] and they have three children.[4]
Turpin joined Collective Soul in 1993.[3]
Turpin makes an appearance on the album How Do You Live (1997) by Michelle Penn.[1] He has collaborated with Atlanta-based group Abel, Rawls & Hayes on several albums. Turpin served as the producer for the album Certified Organic by Michael Tolcher.[3] He performs bass on Collective Soul bandmate Ed Roland's unreleased solo album Anniversary,[6] and is featured in the music video for the track "Searching For."[7]
The Way | |
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Origin | Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
Genres | Rock |
Years active | 2011–present |
Labels | Gooey |
Members | Will Turpin Jason Fowler Mark Wilson |
Past members | Scott Davidson |
Turpin released his first solo EP, The Lighthouse, on October 11, 2011.[8] This five-track EP features collaborations from Collective Soul bandmates Ed Roland, Joel Kosche, and Ryan Hoyle; along with guitarist Peter Stroud.[9] To promote the release, Turpin formed a band called the Way to back him at live performances. The band originally featured Jason Fowler and Scott Davidson,[3] with Mark Wilson joining the lineup afterwards. Davidson left the band in 2013.[3]
Turpin recorded a version of "What Child Is This?" for the charity album A Rock By The Sea Christmas: Volume Three (2012).[10] On February 7, 2013, Turpin and the Way performed a Stageit concert held at Real 2 Reel Studios.[11] This show was recorded and later released as a live EP, The Lighthouse (Live from Real 2 Reel Studios). Beginning in 2013, he has hosted annual Christmas rock concerts titled "Rock the Cradle" for churches each December.[12]
Turpin began recording his first studio album, Serengeti Drivers, in October 2012.[13] The album was released on June 8, 2018.[14]