A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, tenor saxophonist STANLEY TURRENTINE toured in rhythm-and-blues bands, including Ray Charles’ band, among others. In the ’50s, he replaced John Coltrane in Earl Bostic’s group, and later played with Max Roach. He earned his reputation in the 1960s with a number of recordings for Blue Note, both as a leader and as a sideman. Influenced by Don Byas, Coleman Hawkins, and Sonny Rollins, he plays in an earthy blues style. After 1965, Turrentine began to record with larger ensembles, producing work that appealed to a large popular market; Sugar, for which he composed the title track, was the first of a number of his albums that appeared on the charts. Turrentine has maintained a popularity unusual by jazz standards.