He originally played alto saxophone with the Les Hite and Lionel Hampton bands.
After a job offer from bandleader Joe Liggins, Turnham switched to baritone saxophone in 1950.
Three featured vocals by Cledus Harrison, notably "No Parking After Eight"; and two had vocals by Raymond Odoms: "Heavy Dreams" and "Alibi Baby".
Turnham also recorded for Combo the Louis Jordan-esque instrumental "Turnham's Greens", and a final instrumental, "Rocket Ride".
He also recorded for the Aladdin and Aries labels before moving to Fort Worth, Texas.