Henry Turner Jr. – The local funk master and venue owner shares his favorite things

Until recently, guitarist and bandleader Henry Turner Jr. was known more as an ambassador of local culture, with his band The Flavor constantly touring the country starting “Louisiana Parties,” Turner’s own raucous blend of Caribbean- and blues-infused rock, Creole food and funky Bayou State vibes. Now he’s playing the part of jovial host with the opening of Henry Turner Jr.’s Listening Room. Here, the veteran musician explains some of his most prized possessions.

Telecaster. This Fender Telecaster was put together for me using parts from several guitars bought at pawn shops after my Stratocaster was stolen on tour.

BMI royalty statement. This reminds me where I started from in the record business.

Mayor Kip Holden photo. This was taken at a Martin Luther King celebration, and reminds me as an African American how far Baton Rouge has come as a city.

T-shirt. This is a reminder that in the death of Tabby Thomas came the life of my gift to Baton Rouge: an original music Listening Room for the city.

Vinyl record. This is a 12-inch record I recorded in 1985 when five black youths were shot on a New York City subway. It’s a rare collector’s item now that sells for $500 in the UK—proof that music can last forever.

Cyril Neville photo. This is a pic of us meeting for the first time at the Ernie K-Doe festival in New Orleans.

Tabby Thomas photo. This is Tabby and me behind the bar at the original Tabby’s Blues Box on North Boulevard in 1995.

Debut single. A copy of the very first 45 I recorded in 1983 in Baton Rouge.

Poster card. All of the items are lying on a giant poster card made by a group of children at the YMCA in Sedona. It was so touching.