 A teetotaler at the time, he avoided drugs and insisted all band members also adopt this policy, firing anyone he even suspected of breaking the rules.Turner established his group as one of the most highly rated on the St. Louis club circuit, vying for popularity with their main competition, Sir John's Trio featuring Chuck Berry.The bands would play all-nighters in St. Louis, then cross the river to the clubs of East St. Louis, and continue playing until dawn.