Turner Music Company

Phil Turner opened his Turner Music Store in Independence, Missouri in the 1930s. It was a family owned and operated business until 1978 when it sold to the Prewitt family. The Turner name and the iconic neon sign stayed with the store even after it closed in the early 2000s.

Turner specialized in “live” music, selling only musical instrument and equipment—no records were sold in the store. Music lessons were offered and Mrs. Turner actually started the first William Chrisman High School band. Turner Music then initiated the first school band instrument rental program in Independence.

First located at 405 West Lexington on the square in Independence (the neon music note was installed in 1950), Turner Music opened their new store at 205 Lexington in 1969. The proud Turner family dubbed it “the most beautiful store in America.”After Turner Music closed, the neon note remained a short time with a business called Monster Music, but was removed when the space opened as a vintage furniture store.