Ike Turner
R&B Singer
Izear Luster "Ike" Turner Jr. was an American musician, bandleader, songwriter, record producer, and talent scout. An early pioneer of 1950s rock and roll, he is best known for his work in the 1960s and 1970s with his then-wife Tina Turner as the leader of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue.
About
Ike Turner was born on November 5, 1931 in Clarksdale, Mississippi. His full name is Izear Luster Turner Jr. and he was a Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, musician, producer and bandleader of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame group Ike & Tina Turner. He is best known for his 1960s hit “Proud Mary” and his influential role in developing the sound of early rock and roll.
Turner began playing the piano at age five and started performing with various bands while still in high school. In 1951, he formed his own band called The Kings of Rhythm which had hits including "Rocket 88" credited by some as the first rock and roll record. Turner also released solo singles such as "You're so Fine", "I'm Blue (The Gong-Gong Song)" and "A Fool in Love".
In 1960, Turner met singer Anna Mae Bullock who he named Tina Turner; they later married and formed their legendary duo Ike & Tina Turner Revue. They enjoyed success with songs such as “River Deep – Mountain High”, “Proud Mary”, “Nutbush City Limits” and “What You See Is What You Get”. Their 1975 album Acid Queen was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.
In 1976, Ike & Tina divorced due to Tina's abuse claims; however they both continued to perform separately to great acclaim. In 1991 Ike was inducted with Tina into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame along with other members of The Kings of Rhythm. Despite several arrests over the years due to drug possession charges, Ike received many awards including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. On December 12th 2007, Ike passed away at 76 from an accidental cocaine overdose in San Marcos, California.
Life Timeline
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1931</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Ike Turner is Born</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">On November 5, 1931, Ike Turner was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1941</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Releases First Record</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">At just 10 years old, Ike releases his first record "Rocket 88" with his band the Kings of Rhythm.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1951</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Meets Tina Turner</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Ike meets Anna Mae Bullock, who will later become known as Tina Turner.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1960</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Records "A Fool in Love"</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Ike and Tina record their first hit single "A Fool in Love."</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1976</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Ike and Tina are inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1978</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Tina Leaves Ike</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Tina leaves Ike after 16 tumultuous years of marriage citing domestic abuse.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2007</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Dies at 76 Years Old</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Ike Turner dies from a cocaine overdose at 76 years old.</p></div>
Why We Love Them
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">A.</span> He Pioneered Rock n' Roll</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Ike Turner is known as the pioneer and innovator of the rock n' roll genre. His influence and musical style has been cited by countless other artists, including Elvis Presley, The Beatles and more. </p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">B.</span> He's a True Musical Genius</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Ike Turner was a true musical genius, not only being an incredible piano player but also having an impressive songwriting talent. His songs have been covered by numerous artists and his music still influences the industry today. </p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">C.</span> He Had an Amazing Voice</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Ike Turner had an amazing voice that could captivate any audience. His voice was both powerful and emotional at the same time, making his songs even more compelling and memorable. </p></div>
Interesting Facts
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">1.</span> Discovered Rock and Roll</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Ike Turner is credited with discovering the genre of Rock and Roll. He recorded the hit single "Rocket 88" in 1951, which is considered to be the first true rock and roll song.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">2.</span> Played Multiple Instruments</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Ike Turner was a talented multi-instrumentalist, playing guitar, piano, drums, saxophone, and bass.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">3.</span> Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">In 1991, Ike Turner was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his contributions to music.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">4.</span> Co-wrote "Proud Mary"</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Ike Turner co-wrote the hit single "Proud Mary" with Tina Turner, which was released in 1971.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">5.</span> Created a New Musical Genre</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Ike Turner created a new musical genre called "rockabilly," which blended rock and roll with country music.</p></div>
FAQs
