Anthony "Turk" Cannon - Howard University

Anthony “Turk” Cannon is a smooth jazz saxophonist whose soulful tone and melodic phrasing have captivated audiences nationwide. Born and raised in St. Michaels, Maryland, Anthony’s love of music began at the age of nine, when he first picked up the clarinet. Years later, when he held a saxophone for the first time, something clicked — and that spark has since become the passion and purpose that defines his music today.

Anthony studied Computer Information Programming  at Howard University in Washington, D.C., earning his Bachelor of Science, and later continued his musical studies at Columbia Community College in Columbia, Maryland. He trained under several of the most influential saxophone instructors in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. areas, mastering both the technical precision and emotional depth that now characterize his sound.

As a composer, writer, and executive producer, Anthony crafts original music that seamlessly blends the rhythms of Blues, R&B, Pop, and Contemporary Jazz, creating a sound that’s smooth yet deeply expressive.

Anthony’s early musical journey began in the late 1990s, performing in open-mic jazz clubs and working as a sideman saxophonist with various jazz and blues bands throughout Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. Over the years, his live performances have graced many of the nation’s premier venues, including:

• Spaghettini’s (Los Angeles, CA)
   
• Blues Alley (Washington, D.C.)
   
• Avalon Theater (Easton, MD)
   
• Freeman Pavilion (Selbyville, DE)
   
• The Tin Pan (Richmond, VA)
   
• NAMM Music Festival (Anaheim, CA)
   

Anthony has shared the stage and studio with some of the most respected artists in contemporary jazz, including guitarist Adam Hawley, the late keyboardist Dawoud Said, drummer Carl “C-Man” Anderson, guitarist Nils, keyboardist Cal Harris Jr., bassist Roberto Vally, vocalists Marc Staggers and Vicu Scheck, and bassist Lorenzo Sands. His collaborations also extend to acclaimed producers such as Matthew Shell, Dawoud Said, and Ernesto Ponce.

In 2005, Anthony celebrated his first endorsement deal with L.A. Saxophone Company. Today, he proudly holds multiple endorsements, including partnerships with Sax Dakota Saxophone Company, Theo Wanne Mouthpieces, and Oleg Ligatures & Saxophone Company — a testament to his reputation and artistry in the jazz community.

Anthony has released a series of well-received singles and EPs, including “Can You Hear Me,” “Lights Down Low,” “The Good News,” “City Nights,” “Good Morning Aruba,” and “Let’s Get It.” His recordings reflect both the warmth of traditional jazz and the contemporary edge of smooth jazz fusion.

“My inspiration comes from many great musicians,” says Anthony, “but my deepest influences are Grover Washington Jr., David Sanborn, Dexter Gordon, Nelson Rangell, and the late Art Porter. Their artistry motivates me to stay dedicated to this craft. The saxophone feels like an extension of my soul — and my goal is always to create music that moves hearts and leaves the listener with a piece of mine.”
 

Whether performing on a grand festival stage or in an intimate jazz lounge, Anthony “Turk” Cannon delivers a sound that’s both sophisticated and deeply personal — a musical conversation that speaks directly to the heart.