Benny Turner - Hurricane Recovery Fund

*Please help Benny Turner in this time of urgent need, after losing everything due to Hurricane Ida.*  

On August 29, 2021, 16 years to the day after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, Hurricane Ida made landfall in Louisiana as a category 4 storm. At almost 82 years old and faced with the dual threats of the raging Covid Delta variant and the hurricane, Benny Turner made the tough decision to weather the storm in his residence in New Orleans. The loss of power and oppressive heat after the storm were debilitating. When his car was stolen too, he lost his only chance of staying cool, leaving no choice but to fly out to safer circumstances.

 

After taking time to recuperate and regain his strength, Benny returned to face an unknown aftermath, which was even worse than what he left. Roof damage and excessive rain damage devastated his home and personal belongings, leaving him essentially homeless. His stolen car was recovered three hours north of the city, after a police chase, and he was charged $1,000 in storage fees by the towing company in order to retrieve it.

 

A very proud man, Benny faced these obstacles head on without even notifying his family or asking for help. His bills from airfare, hotel rooms, Uber and taxi fees and bus fare are mounting. He now faces a complete loss of personal property and extensive house damage, in addition to relocation costs. His home was uninsured.

 

Born into extreme poverty and surviving a lifetime of struggles, Benny has brought joy and entertainment to people all over the world playing the blues with his brother the late Freddie King, Mighty Joe Young, Marva Wright, Blues Queen of New Orleans, and many more. At a time when he should be able to relax and enjoy life, he is faced with monumental loss and devastation.

 

If you know Benny Turner, you know that he is a very private and humble man and would never ask for outside help. So, on behalf of his family, we are asking instead. We know that he has many friends and fans who would be willing to help this blues legend who has brought so much joy to so many over the years. With that in mind, we respectfully ask for your support of Benny in this time of urgent need, and hope you will help us spread the word. All funds raised will go directly to Benny to cover his expenses already incurred and projected for all of the work ahead.

We've had a few requests for a PayPal account or mailing address, for direct payments. PayPal is available at [email redacted] and Benny's mailing address is P.O. Box 6072, New Orleans, LA 71074.

Thank you from his daughters and the entire Turner family.