Ike Turner Dead At 76; Rep For Tina Turner Issues Statement

Music legend Ike Turner has died, Access Hollywood has
confirmed.

Turner, whose role as one of rock’s critical architects was overshadowed by
his ogrelike image as the man who brutally abused former wife and 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.

In response to news of his death, a rep for Tina Turner released the
following statement to Access Hollywood:

“Tina hasn’t had any contact with Ike in more than 30 years. No further
comment will be made”

Ike 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.

The Recording Academy issued the following statement on Ike’s death:

“There is no doubt that Ike Turner was one of rock and roll’s great
architects with his genre-defying sound as an instrumentalist and bandleader.
His innovative musicality helped lay the foundation for rock n’ roll and R&B
more than 50 years ago. As a bandleader, his well-rehearsed ensembles were some
of the most exciting live groups the world had ever heard. As a two-time Grammy
Award-winner and recipient of The Recording Academy’s 2004 Heroes Award, Ike’s
legacy as a groundbreaking pioneer in the music industry will never be
forgotten.”