In Memoriam
Ike Turner
November 5, 1931 – December 12, 2007 · aged 76
R&B · Rock and Roll · Soul
Izear Luster 'Ike' Turner was a highly complicated figure: an undeniable pioneer of early rock and roll whose massive musical contributions were tragically eclipsed by his turbulent, abusive personal life. Born in Mississippi in 1931, Turner's 1951 recording 'Rocket 88' is widely considered by music historians to be the first true rock and roll song, featuring the first use of distorted guitar on record. He achieved monumental success in the 1960s and 70s performing alongside his then-wife Tina Turner, creating explosive, high-energy R&B classics like 'Proud Mary' and 'River Deep - Mountain High.' However, his severe cocaine addiction and horrific domestic abuse toward Tina overshadowed his musical legacy for decades following their divorce. Though he experienced a modest musical resurgence late in life, his reputation remained permanently stained. He died of a cocaine overdose on December 12, 2007, at the age of 76, remembered as both a foundational architect of rock music and a deeply flawed man.
Milestones
Rocket 88, Proud Mary, River Deep - Mountain High
Also remembered in 2007
- Brad Delp (1951–2007)
- Dan Fogelberg (1951–2007)
- Luciano Pavarotti (1935–2007)
- Pimp C (1973–2007)