Musical send-off for 'genius' Ike Turner

Published on Saturday 22 December 2007 18:50

THE funeral for American singer Ike Turner was part memorial service, part rock concert, featuring performances from his band.

Renditions of some of the musician's greatest hits, including 'Nutbush City Limits' and 'Proud Mary', by the eight-piece Kings of Rhythm brought the crowd of hundreds to its feet.

The nearly three-hour remembrance was held at Greater Bethany Community Church City of Refuge in Gardena, California, on Friday. "Daddy wouldn't want any of us crying," said his daughter, Mia Turner. "He would want us to throw a party."

Among those eulogising Turner, who died on December 13 at 76, were music producer Phil Spector and rock 'n' roll pioneer Little Richard, who described him as "one of the greatest musicians I have ever met".

Richard said Turner's breakthrough hit, 'Rocket 88', "shook my soul". He added: "I took that same introduction and made 'Good Golly, Miss Molly'."

Turner was responsible for a string of successful songs, including 1959's 'A Fool In Love' and 1970's 'Take You Higher'. But his musical legacy was forever tarnished by his image as the drug-addicted, abusive former husband of Tina Turner.

She did not attend the funeral.

When he died, a spokeswoman for Tina said she had not had contact with him in 35 years and would not comment.

Ike Turner knew that his personal problems threatened to overshadow his musical accomplishments, said Rob Johnson, producer of Turner's Grammy-winning 2001 album Here And Now. "He understood, as a very sensitive artist, the challenge that would be involved in stepping up and moving forward and reinitiating the contribution of his genius, of his music," he said.

Many speakers alluded to Turner's personal woes, though none directly addressed his history of drug and domestic abuse. "Stop holding this mess – whatever it is – against this man. Even Jesus forgives," said Richard, 75, who left the service early, aided by a walking stick and several assistants.

Spector, who produced Turner's song 'River Deep, Mountain High', said: "There was only one Ike and I learned more from Ike than any professors I know."

He went on to tell the congregation that Turner was "demonised and vilified" by his former wife.

He called the 1993 film What's Love Got To Do With It, based on her autobiography, a "piece of trash movie".

"Ike made Tina the jewel she was," said Spector, who stood trial for murder this year for the fatal shooting of actress Lana Clarkson. A judge declared a mistrial in September after jurors failed to reach a verdict.