Josh Turner's career was almost over before it began. In 1996, doctors diagnosed him with a lesion on his right vocal cord. The doctors recommended to Turner that he rest his pipes for a year and that surgery was not needed. Now, injuries to the vocal cords are always a reason for concern and that's doubly so if you're a crooner. You never know how they will heal or if they will heal at all.
Well, Turner rested his voice and while he did he learned special vocal techniques, how to take care of his vocal cords, and how to whistle. He emerged from his year-long rest focused and ready to take on the country music world. Just five years later, Turner made his professional debut when he sang "Long Black Train" at the Grand Ole Opry. His performance earned him a standing ovation.
He was inducted into the Opry in 2007 as its second youngest member (behind Carrie Underwood). As of 2013, Turner has released five studio albums. All five peaked at three or better on the country album charts with the last four landing inside the top five on the Billboard 200. He also has several number one country singles to his credit including "Your Man," "Why Don't We Just Dance," and "All Over Me." A devout Christian, Turner played a gospel singer in a movie about Billy Graham.