Rock 'n' Roll Pioneer Ike Turner Dies at 76
SAN DIEGO (Dec. 12) - Ike Turner, whose role as one of rock's critical architects was overshadowed by his ogrelike image as the man who brutally abused former wife Tina Turner , died Wednesday at his home in suburban San Diego. He was 76.
Turner died at his San Marcos home, Scott M. Hanover of Thrill Entertainment Group, which managed Turner's career, told The Associated Press.
There was no immediate word on the cause of death, which was first reported by celebrity Web site TMZ.com.
Turner managed to rehabilitate his image somewhat in later years, touring around the globe with his band the Kings of Rhythm and drawing critical acclaim for his work. He won a Grammy in 2007 in the traditional blues album category for "Risin' With the Blues."
But his image is forever identified as the drug-addicted, wife-abusing husband of Tina Turner. He was hauntingly portrayed by Laurence Fishburne in the movie "What's Love Got To Do With It," based on Tina Turner's autobiography.
Tina Turner declined to comment on her ex-husband's death.
I did have the chance to meet Ike Turner back in the day when he and Tina first were getting started and made their first appearance in New York City at the Apollo Theatre. Though I was still a kid then, I was just starting to learn to play guitar. I learned some nice licks from watching Ike. I did have the occassion to run into him years later when I started playing and touring around the country with various artist. To me, Ike was no different than any of the other artist of the time. His personality fit right in with the likes of Wilson Pickett, Billy Stewart, James Brown, Gene Chandler or any of the other performers.
Thanks for the great music YOU produced Ike. See YOU on the other side.
Blues, R&B & Rock Rule,
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