Ike Turner died at home today at age 76. He is survived by a massive body of commercially successful rock and R&B songs and a reputation for punching Tina Turner in the face, though he “never beat her.” We will leave it to the Associated Press to politely phrase the legacy of this talented, troubled icon.
From USA Today
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Ike Turner, whose role as one of rock's critical architects was overshadowed by his ogre-like image as the man who brutally abused former wife and rock icon Tina Turner, died Wednesday at his home in suburban San Diego. He was 76.
“He did pass away this morning” at his home in San Marcos, in northern San Diego County, said Scott M. Hanover of Thrill Entertainment Group, which managed Turner's musical career.
There was no immediate word on the cause of death, which was first reported by celebrity website TMZ.com.
Turner managed to rehabilitate his image somewhat in his 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.
