• November 5, 1931 - December 12, 2007
• Turner made many claims in interviews: he said that he first had sex at the age of 6, and that he was married 14 times.
• He was an accomplished boogie-woogie pianist and Blues guitarist who was one of the '50s most sought-after musicians and bandleaders.
• He discovered Tina Turner, leading to very successful Ike and Tina Turner Revue. Their marriage, however, was disastrous, and after Tina enjoyed a career resurgence in the '80s and published her autobiography (which was made into a movie), Ike was defined as a wife-beater and constantly had to answer questions regarding Tina's alleged spousal abuse rather than discuss his place in music history. Responding to questions about the abuse, Ike usually admitted he slapped Tina, but claimed it was far from abusive and was also mutual.
• Tina was originally merely Ike's houseguest after becoming pregnant by the group's saxophone player.
• He was serving a prison term In California when he was inducted into the Rock Hall Of Fame in 1991. Accepting the award for him was Phil Spector.
• He died of a cocaine overdose on December 12, 2007. An autopsy showed that a long history of cardiovascular disease and emphysema contributed to Turner's death. >>

  Suggestion credit:
  Bertrand - Paris, France, for all above

Comments

More Songfacts:

Return To SenderElvis Presley

When the Elvis stamps came out in 1993, lots of folks used them to mail letters with bad addresses so they would be Returned To Sender.

Auld Lang SyneTraditional

The New Year's Eve favorite "Auld Lang Syne" is a Scottish song that roughly translates to "Days Of Long Ago."

Space OddityDavid Bowie

David Bowie's "Space Oddity" tells the story of an astronaut who cuts off communication and floats into space. The BBC used it extensively in their coverage of the 1969 moon landing - an odd choice considering the lyrics.

Friends In Low PlacesGarth Brooks

"Friends In Low Places" by Garth Brooks was written by two Nashville songwriters after a meal in a local restaurant. One of them forgot his money, but said not to worry, "I have friends in low places. I know the cook."

YYZRush

The instrumental "YYZ" by Rush got its title from the transmitter code for Lester B. Pearson International Airport in Toronto, near where the band is from.

RhiannonFleetwood Mac

"Rhiannon" is a Welch goddess. Stevie Nicks wrote the song, and it was a huge influence on her image, inspiring her flowing shawls and black outfits she began wearing on stage.

Editor's Picks

Sam HollanderSongwriter Interviews

The hitmaking songwriter/producer Sam Hollander with stories about songs for Weezer, Panic! At The Disco, Train, Pentatonix, and Fitz And The Tantrums.

Jesus In Pop Hits: The Gospel Songs That Went MainstreamSong Writing

These overtly religious songs crossed over to the pop charts, despite resistance from fans, and in many cases, churches.

Divided Souls: Musical Alter EgosSong Writing

Long before Eminem, Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj created alternate personas, David Bowie, Bono, Joni Mitchell and even Hank Williams took on characters.

Creedence Clearwater RevivalFact or Fiction

Is "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" about Vietnam? Was John Fogerty really born on a Bayou? It's the CCR edition of Fact or Fiction.

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.

Rupert HineSongwriter Interviews

Producer Rupert Hine talks about crafting hits for Tina Turner, Howard Jones and The Fixx.