What's under Dr. Lonnie Smith's turban?

[blajay]

You sure it wasn't from during the above-mentioned performance with Lou Donaldson?

haha, Chris you should write fiction!

But I am very curious if someone could confirm whether his wearing of the turban is a secular or religious practice. Which is not to say unsoulful! And what about Lynn Hope or Chuck Willis? I know Sun Ra has his own "Astro-Black Mythology" and Horace Silver is I assume doing it for the cover art there, but is there something consistent in the former three at least (Smith, Hope, and Willis) related to Black American culture or religion or is it simply an aesthetic choice?

[blajay]

Does anyone have this release of Chuck Willis recordings? Apparently its booklet contains "the secret behind his turban".

[blajay]

Looks like for Lynn Hope it was related to practicing Islam as part of the Nation of Islam. Might it be that Lonnie Smith is neither Sikh nor wearing his turban in a secular way, but is simply a Black Muslim?

[Christiern]

"haha, Chris you should write fiction!"

Some people think that's what I do.

[RDK]

Wasn't "What's Under Dr. Lonnie's Smith's Turban?" an old David Letterman bit?

[Bill Nelson]

Just be glad your theater seat wasn't directly behind Lonnie's 'T'.

Personally, I prefer a fez -- it's sporty, portable, and can get you into Shriner's events.

Also, unlike the turban, the fez has crept its way into the Great American Songbook:

'I've Grown Accustomed To Your Fez'

'The Surrey With the Fez On Top'

'There Is No Greater Fez'

'The Shadow of Your Fez'

'Let's Fez the Music and Dance'

[Bill Nelson]

As The Turbanator, I seem to have killed this clambake. Anyplace I Hang My Fez is Home.

It's My Fez and I'll Cry If I Want To. I don't want to spoil the turban, so I'll go.