Ike Turner (1931-2007)
From the Ike Turner Website:
To all whom who loved and cherished Ike, those who were fortunate to know Ike, the many of you who have supported Ike and connected with Ike through the music it is with sadness and a heavy heart that we announce that Ike passed today at the age of 76.
Like in life, Ike entered the stage played in by his "Kings of Rhythm" band who were with him playing Ike's favorite gospel music in his final moments. But the notes will carry on in his music, the lives that he has touched and inspired and his children and family who will miss him greatly.
In Remembrance of Ike Turner
The Turner Family asks that in lieu of flowers that you donate to the music department of your local school in Ike's name so the music lives on.
For those of you who would like to share your best wishes with the Turner Family,
We have set up a online memorial for you to easily share with Ike's family and help to provide them comfort in this difficult time.
http://ike-turner-love.last-memories.com
A representative for Ike's ex-wife, the legendary Tina Turner, released the following statement: "Tina is aware that Ike passed away earlier today. She has not had any contact with him in 35 years. No further comment will be made."
The New York Times Obituary.
In 1951 Ike and his Kings of Rhythm recorded "Rocket 88," thought by some to be the first rock 'n roll record.
By 1958, Ike was working with a young singer named Anna Mae Bullock. He would change her name to Tina Turner and the two would wed in 1962. Ike and Tina recorded a string of hits in the '60's and '70's. Their high-energy cover version of Creedence Clearwater Revival's 1968 "Proud Mary" remains Tina's signature hit and one of her longest enduring standards. "Proud Mary" was the duo's greatest commercial success peaking at number four in March 1971. The single also won a Grammy for "Best R&B Vocal Performance By A Duo or Group."
Tina left Ike in 1976, as his abusive behavior ans cocaine habit worsened. In the mid-1980s, Turner suffered a brush with the law when he was convicted of drug-related charges and sentenced to several years in a California state prison. Turner was still in prison pleading parole when he and Tina were inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991, which Tina accepted on his behalf.
In 2001, Turner's long-awaited autobiography, Takin' Back My Name (ISBN 1-85227-850-1), was published. In Tina Turner's 1986 autobiography I, Tina, later filmed as What's Love Got to Do with It?, Tina accused Ike of violent spousal abuse, which Ike repeatedly denied for many years. However, in his 2001 autobiography Ike admitted, "Sure, I've slapped Tina... There have been times when I punched her to the ground without thinking. But I never beat her."
Turner attributed many of his offstage issues to his drug and alcohol addiction. All of this resulted in his abusive behavior and relationship with his wife and children. Since being released from prison in 1993, Turner claimed to have maintained sobriety. No matter his talent, Ike will probably never escape the taint of the of the abuse charges leveled by Tina Turner.
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