Who Is Ike Turner? Age, Biography and Wiki
Ike Turner was born on November 5, 1931, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, and passed away on December 12, 2007. He was a groundbreaking American musician known for his influential work in the genres of rhythm and blues, rock and roll. While he faced many personal challenges throughout his life, his contributions to music earned him a prominent place in history. In 2025, fans continue to celebrate his legacy through the iconic music he created alongside his former partner, Tina Turner.
| Occupation | Blues Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 5, 1931 |
| Age | 76 Years |
| Birth Place | Clarksdale, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 12 December, 2007 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Ike Turner's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
In his prime, Ike Turner was known for his striking presence. Standing at approximately 6 feet tall (183 cm), he had a lean and athletic build. While his weight fluctuated during his life, he maintained a fit physique thanks to his energetic performances. His distinctive style and commanding stage presence were as much a part of his identity as his music itself.
Hip-hop group Salt-N-Pepa sampled Turner's composition "I'm Blue (The Gong Gong Song)", released by the Ikettes in 1961, for their 1993 single "Shoop". The song reached No. 4 in the Billboard Hot 100 and Turner earned around half a million dollars in royalties. He re-recorded "I'm Blue" as a duet with singer Billy Rogers in 1995.
Produced by Rogers, the remake received favorable reviews. Turner later appeared on the song "Love Gravy" with Rick James for the soundtrack album Chef Aid: The South Park Album.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Ike Turner’s personal life was as tumultuous as his career. He was married twice, first to Lorraine Taylor and later to Tina Turner, with whom he had a famous but fraught relationship. Although the details surrounding his dating or relationship status in 2025 are not applicable since he passed away in 2007, his legacy continues to live on, and his complicated romantic history remains a point of interest to fans and historians alike.
Izear Luster "Ike" Turner Jr. (November 5, 1931 – December 12, 2007) was an American musician, bandleader, songwriter, record producer, and talent scout. An early pioneer of 1950s rock and roll, he is best known for his work in the 1960s and 1970s with his wife Tina Turner as the leader of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Ike Turner's estimated net worth was around $500,000, a reflection of both his achievements and the financial ups and downs he faced throughout his life. Although his wealth may have varied, his contribution to music remains invaluable. Given the continued interest in his work, it is likely that posthumous earnings from his music royalties have increased, enhancing his financial legacy.
Career, Business and Investments
Ike Turner’s career spanned several decades, during which he achieved fame as a guitarist, bandleader, and producer. He played a pivotal role in the development of rock and roll, particularly with hits like "Proud Mary." Turner also founded the band the Kings of Rhythm, which was critical in shaping the sound of rhythm and blues.
His influence extended beyond performing, as he was involved in producing and writing for several artists. His entrepreneurial spirit also led him to invest in various music-related ventures, contributing to his overall influence in the industry.
Turner's cocaine addiction and legal troubles, together with accounts by Tina Turner of domestic violence (published in her 1986 autobiography I, Tina and the 1993 film adaptation What's Love Got to Do with It), had an impact on his career.
Addicted to cocaine for at least 15 years, Turner was convicted of drug offenses and served 18 months in prison. After his release in 1991, he relapsed in 2004, and died of a drug overdose in 2007. During the last decade of his life, Turner revived his career as a frontman by returning to his blues roots.
He released two award-winning albums, Here and Now (2001) and Risin' with the Blues (2006).
Social Network
As Ike Turner passed away in 2007, he no longer maintains a social media presence. However, his legacy continues to be celebrated on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where fans post tributes and share music related to his career. Various official pages and fan accounts keep his spirit alive, often sharing historical footage and anecdotes from his life and career.
Soon after the release of "Rocket 88", Turner moved to West Memphis, Arkansas and played with various local bands. He then became a freelance talent scout, session musician, and production assistant for Sam Phillips at Sun Studio, commuting to Memphis, Tennessee.
Wishing to exploit his Delta music connections, the Bihari brothers at Modern Records also hired Turner as a talent scout, paying him to find southern musicians who might be worth recording. Turner arranged for B.B. King and the Beale Streeters to record for Modern at the YMCA in Memphis.
Turner played piano on King's early records "You Know I Love You" and "3 O'Clock Blues", which became King's first two number-ones. According to Joe Bihari, Turner had brought King to his attention years prior. He said, "Ike wasn't more than sixteen then.
He would send dubs of things he cut to us, and if we'd like them we'd make a seal or sign the artist. That's how we acquired B.B. King." King also maintained that Turner introduced him to the Bihari brothers.
Education
Ike Turner's formal education was limited, but his musical education began at a young age. He was inspired by the rich musical heritage of the Mississippi Delta, learning from the local blues musicians of his youth. This hands-on experience shaped his skills as a musician and laid the foundation for his future career in music.
A native of Clarksdale, Mississippi, Turner began playing piano and guitar as a child and then formed the Kings of Rhythm as a teenager. His first recording, "Rocket 88" (credited to Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats), is considered a contender for the distinction of first rock and roll song.
During the 1950s, Turner also worked as a talent scout and producer for Sun Records and Modern Records. He was instrumental in the early careers of various blues musicians such as B.B. King, Howlin' Wolf, and Bobby "Blue" Bland. In 1954, Turner relocated to East St. Louis where his Kings of Rhythm became one of the most renowned acts in Greater St.
Louis. He formed the Ike & Tina Turner Revue in 1960, which over the course of the decade became a soul/rock crossover success.
