This was the bio that MCA Record used to promote Monteco Turner back in 1996 during the release of his first (and only) album.
"I see it as a very special blessing,” is how Monteco humbly describes his remarkable talent as a vocalist and entertainer. Throughout Monteco, his debut MCA CD, Monteco aptly illustrates just why at the tender age of 16, his name is already prominent among a new generation of young urban music newcomers.
Monteco might be young, but Monteco is by no means kid stuff. Indeed, this delightful meld of hip-hop and new school R&B with an old school flava, exudes a kind of sexy, soulful maturity in the tradition of classic works by, say, Marvin Gaye or Teddy Pendergrass.
This is definitely urban soul '90's style, exemplified by creamy ballads and head-bobbing, mid-tempo grooves such as "Never Ending Love," the mischievous, provocative "Call It What You Want" and the melodic "Do You Right." At the center of these tracks is an assured Monteco, who weaves his commanding, intuitive vocals around melodies like an old pro.
Other standouts tracks include the album's sultry first single, "Is It Me," the funky street-wise "Ain't Nothing To It," the infectious "Round And Round," a droning, romantic "Down To The Bone," "Be With You" and the hypnotic "Something," all of which equally drive home this undeniable fact: in the competitive world of young urban pop, Monteco is a true contender.
Born in Mississippi, Monteco's family, which includes two sisters and one brother, moved to the musically-rich city of New Orleans when he was just 7. Considering his soulful prowess, it figures that the singer's first major musical experience took place in church. "I wasn't like the other kids, who, when they went to church, hung out in the back pews," says Monteco. "I used to sit right up front. I remember when I was about 4 or 5, somebody from the pulpit asked, 'Who wants to come up and sing?' I raised my hand and went up and sang a song called "God Has Smiled On Me." My family was shocked."
Perhaps, but the family, which, according to Monteco, only consists of "shower singers," a phrase that is self-explanatory, was so impressed with the youngster's innate talent, that once in New Orleans, they cultivated his musical growth. "I was the kid who was always giving mini-concerts at home," says Monteco. "I was never shy about it; I just sang."
A turning point for Monteco came when he entered a talent show sponsored by local radio station WYLD. So formidable were Monteco's pipes that show officials thought it appropriate that he perform in both the junior and adult categories. The result? Monteco, singing Whitney Houston's thunderous rendition of "The Greatest Love Of All” practically turned the place out, winning second in both slots. He was just 10 years old.
Monteco was always seeking an audience. He vividly remembers the day his father, a big supporter of his talent, pulled him out of school for an opportunity to sing for producer Quincy Jones, who was in New Orleans on business. "We found his hotel and just waited in the lobby," says the singer. "We knew he'd probably be in a hurry, so when I saw him, I just started singing."
Quincy, who was accompanied by an MCA Records executive, both of whom were impressed, vowed to help Monteco get signed with MCA. The executive ultimately made good on his promise, but not without competition -- Monteco's prodigal talents ignited a fierce bidding war among labels.
In recording his debut, Monteco says, "I just sang the songs as I felt them. I can't really get into it if I don't feel it, but these songs have a certain flavor and style, so I just got into it."
On stage, Monteco is a tenacious performer who entrances his audience with powerhouse dynamism and an instinctive charisma. Recently on tour as an opening act, crowds responded to Monteco as if he were already an established artist. "It surprised me," he admits. "In some cities they mobbed me like I was some big star!"
Perhaps it was simply a premonition those crowds had for the soft- spoken 9th grader, whose hobbies include hanging with friends, checking out the latest movies and developing his skills as a songwriter. For inspiration, he listens to the classics works of R&B masters such as the Isleys, Marvin Gaye, the Ohio Players, and Michael Jackson.
"I love what I do," Monteco declares. "It's almost like making music is my hobby. The business side can be hard work, but the music itself is fun, which is great, because I never want this to be a job. "Job? No Way. One listen to Monteco and it's all very clear -- music is this kid's calling.
Monteco is obviously a high priority with MCA Records. The new executive team at the label (The Black Music Collective) and the new management team of George and Renee Smith (from George Smith & Associates) have formed a coalition to ensure that Monteco will become MCA's newest star.
He released his first single-“Is It Me” with Immature (IMX) that was a hit song. He next released “Call It What You Want” with a video. However the song and the video were not played everywhere and Monteco vanished from the scene. Hopefully he’ll return to music scene.
