Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-09-14
BMT, the stage name of Briana Marie Turner, has released “Shine,” a soulful tribute to Dolly Parton following the country icon’s passing in August. BMT pours her heart into the recording, offering a deeply moving performance driven by admiration and artistic devotion.
In “Shine (A Tribute to Dolly Parton),” BMT delivers an aching, emotional homage that carries added resonance following Parton’s death. The soaring acoustic performance is accompanied by a visual retrospective featuring archival photographs tracing Parton’s extraordinary life, from her humble East Tennessee beginnings to her dazzling, larger-than-life stage appearances.
Paired with BMT’s impassioned vocal delivery and gospel-tinged harmonies, the music and imagery combine as a poignant memorial. The performance stands not only as a tribute to a song but as a loving farewell to an artist whose light touched generations.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, and raised in Muncie, Indiana, Briana Marie Turner is a “Vintage Belle with a pop twist,” known for a distinctive rockabilly-inspired style that blends timeless charm with a modern pop edge. Her inspirations range from the soulful intimacy of Alicia Keys and Billie Holiday to the fearless retro spirit of Amy Winehouse and the Stray Cats.
Turner grew up in a family of musicians where every holiday and reunion felt like a full-blown concert. She began singing in her church’s children’s choir, eventually teaching the choir as she got older, and remained involved in choir throughout her school career. She also performed in show choir, talent shows and competitive vocal events, developing her voice and commanding stage presence early on.
After high school, Turner briefly attended beauty school—becoming, in her words, a “beauty school dropout”—before choosing her true calling and joining a music group. That leap led to touring with Machine Gun Kelly and collaborating with creatives affiliated with will.i.am, The Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, Darius Rucker and others.
After the group parted ways, BMT continued her journey as a solo artist. She is signed to Vyrus Media, the production company owned by multi-platinum, GRAMMY Award-winning producer Charles Farrar.
