COVID-19: My Story

None of us have ever lived through times such as these. Everyone has their own story of these past months, and I thought it would be therapeutic to write mine down to share.

I’ve always read the news more than is healthy for a person to do, so I think it was January when I told my wife about a virus in Wuhan, China – and how they were building a hospital in 7 days… (I think they ended up building three of them). Crazy stuff. Fast forward to March, I got ready to leave for a 3 day weekend of shows, starting in Milwaukee, and I’m pretty sure my wife didn’t want me to leave. On top of that, we were to fly to LAX the following week for a west coast run.

That gig in Milwaukee, March 12th, was the last we were to play. I’ve watched as planned shows fell off our schedule, and the busiest time of our work year vanished. I’ve been fortunate to be able to embrace remote recording for clients, build off my Nashville Song Demos business, and help my wife’s Guitar Parts Factory. DaddyDayCare was in full swing, and I’ve learned how hard my wife’s endless work as Mom has been.

Most of my musical friends haven’t been as fortunate, or as diversified in their work, and my heart is with them. I’m still concerned about bringing COVID-19 into our home, or my wife’s work. The Josh Turner tour has started to prepare for shows in August, but for many reasons, I’ve decided that they will do it without me. We moved out of Nashville, my home for 23 years. I’ve spent the last 16 years on tour buses with incredible musicians, living a life my Dad inspired me to lead.

I’m embracing being home with my beautiful family, and the future it holds. This year has certainly taught me to find the silver linings, to try to adapt, be willing to change, and hopefully grow.

Strawberry Time in Plant City

Setting up for a show at the Strawberry Festival in Plant City, Florida. Did someone say something about a strawberry milkshake?

Good morning Strawberry Festival. Don’t tell my wife how many strawberry food products I eat today.
Bought some “missing Charlie” LEGOS. Baby Yoda is a custom shop! I am going to be #1.

Back at the Opry

One of the best gigs in town! Love playing at the Opry. Had to make a quick trip in between setup and show for a LEGO. Dad has to make up for some of these nights he’s not around.

Josh Turner Live in Marietta, OH

Nothing beats being on tour playing near your friends and family. Some live action shots from some of our best buds in Ohio. Jessica and Charlie were fighting the flu so that was a downer, but it was great seeing some old friends at the Peoples Bank Theatre.

Healing at the Ryman

Charlie’s first night at the Ryman. His little eyes were lit up seeing what I see when I play… Precious time. Time that has never meant more to me after the past few weeks. Therapeutic return in the Mother Church of Country Music. A tribute.

Josh Turner’s Crew Bus in Fatal Accident

I am absolutely touched beyond words at the outpouring of concern and love we have received from the crew bus’s accident.

Artists, sidemen, friends, people from every walk of life have reached out to us all – to share their shock and support.

Our crew are going through a horrible experience, and one of them didn’t make it. Horrible.

Families have been changed forever. It will be a long road to normalcy for most of our guys. Keep them in your thoughts. Donate to their families if you can. Most of all, love each other. Life is far too short to waste doing anything else.

Rest In Peace, David Turner.

Remain positive and be as strong as you’ve been. There will be better days ahead:

Brad Dratnol
Riq Lazarus
Jim Mayo
John Dauphinee
JT Lambert
Carl Hardin
Jed Downing

My wife is my rock, my sweet solace. Jessica, thank you for your counsel and your loving heart. Can’t wait to get home to you.

Thank you all so very much.