It’s too bad that, when people remember Ike Turner, who died today at 76, they’re more likely to think "the guy who battered his wife, Tina," than "the guy who pretty much invented rock ‘n’ roll." He did it as the guitarist on a 1951 tune called "Rocket 88," produced by Sam Phillips, who would later produce Elvis’ first records and those of many other rock pioneers. The disc was credited to the singer, Jackie Brenston, but it was Turner who was the song’s sonic architect and the player of its innovative, distorted electric guitar.
Later, of course, Ike would discover a teenage thrush named Anna Mae Bullock, marry her, and transform her into Tina Turner. He crafted their sound and their celebrated stage routine, and the couple’s two-decade partnership had a profound influence on every R&B/soul diva who followed in Tina’s stiletto’d footsteps (not to mention on Mick Jagger). Later still, long after Tina’s departure and her well-publicized claims of abuse (which Ike denied or dismissed), and long after most of the public had written him off, he continued to play club dates, as he had for more than 50 years, even winning a Grammy this year in the traditional blues category for his album Risin’ With the Blues. He had the respect of his fellow musicians, though he complained he never got proper credit from a public and press that had sided with Tina. Maybe now he’ll get that credit from posterity.
it’s hard to look past what ike did to tina, but it made her the strong, vital woman she became. also, he was quite talented. i’m sure tina forgave him, so we should as well. r.i.p.
He never took responsibility for his actions, but the music is undeniable. He will forever be the man who really created a whole genre of music.
No, I think a lot of time will need to pass before Ike Turner is heralded for his work, his personal actions speaking so loudly about his character.
Rest in peace, Ike, and thanks for the music
RIP Ike Turner! Thanks for introducing the world to Tina Turner & Leaving a mark on black music!
Regardless of what some think of him….he and James Brown and some others were definitely the innovators of soul, R&B, and rock and roll. They weren’t the best men on earth, but they knew how to rock an audience.
“I’m sure Tina forgave him”?, “Tina’s claims of abuse”?
I have no problem giving musical credit where credit is due, but to minimise domestic violence as if it was a bad habit is wrong. To also imply that Tina’s accusations are somehow in dispute stinks royally. Come on people, get with the times! Just because a man was a genius doesn’t give him the right to treat his wife like a second class citizen.
Wife-Beater. Period. Don’t sugar coat it.
I think he is just another musician with just as many inner demons as talent. Unfortunately, he took them out on Tina Turner. His death won’t change people’s opinions of him.
Why is it “too bad” that being famous and influential does not mean you get a free pass on everything else? What sort of message is that– you can do whatever you want to other people, as long as you’re professionally successful? (And yes, I know that in a lot of ways that seems to be how the world works, but that doesn’t mean I think it’s right.)
Ike Turner was a creative force in the music world.
But that’s no excuse for being a monster at home. The more we rationalize violence, the more violence spreads unchecked.
i’m not trying to sugar-coat anything here guys. i’m not a religous person, but part of what life is about is forgiveness. i’m not saying she’ll ever forget it or that he gets a “free pass” because he did it, but something, somewhere triggered his behavior. he’ll face the final judgement wherever he is, but part of moving on is forgiving in your heart and soul, and with the strong woman tina is, i think she has the strength to do that. personally i think beating anyone is disgusting, but he knows that now
If Tina, the victim of his demons, can find it in her heart to forgive and even credit him, then so can I.
Rest in Peace, Ike. You were a madman and a maverick and I’m sure you will be missed.
I have been surprised by the tone in all the Ike Turner notices I’ve read. Tina’s account of her abuse has been repeatedly addressed as if it was just an accusation that she made for the hell of it. Even here it is her “her well-publicized claims of abuse” rather than her well-publicized abuse. Huge difference in that wording. I have no problem acknowledging Ike’s contributions to music while at the same time condemning his abusive actions. I wonder why all the people writing these stories of his death can’t embrace both concepts? Tina’s strength and survival deserves so much more than this repeated dismissive attitude.
Boy a lot of people invented rock and roll. Little Richard, Chuck Berry and now Ike Turner. Well I say give the man his props. I am not a judge or jury and don’t know the veracity or the extent of Tina’s claims. But Tina forgave him. The world never did. Kobe is a rapist. O.J. is a murderer. Yet Ike is still vilified.
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