Mogul or Monster? The Legacy of Ike Turner

Ike Turner, 76, died of undisclosed causes in his suburban San Marcos home on December 12, 2007.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer was credited with producing the first Rock and Roll recording (Rocket 88) and several chart topping hits. In the musical community he is seen as one of the primary architects of the R&B rock and roll genre. A prolific guitarist that had a way with words, Turner made a name for himself on talent and determination.

However, Turner was not only a legend for his music, but also the melody he played outside of the studio. His drug use and violently turbulent marriage to Tina Turner were documented in the 1986 autobiography “I,Tina” and the 1993 film “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” As reported in USA Today article published on December 13th, Ike Turner disputed his portrayal in both instances.

How is this man to be remembered? For his remarkable ability to move a nation through song, or his inability to keep a raging anger in check? An extensive article by MSNBC suggests that Turner had begun to reconstruct his image as of late, even winning a Grammy in 2007, but acknowledged that his reputation was still representative of the man who abused Tina Turner.

Reportedly Tina Turner declined to comment on Ike Turner’s death. Her spokeswoman, Michele Schweitzer said in a statement “Tina is aware that Ike passed away earlier today. She has not had any contact with him in 35 years. No further comment will be made.”

Fault and talent are two things that never fall far apart. However the overlap leaves only one able to prevail. Should the smooth bass line of guitar riff overshadow brutal domestic abuse? Should one’s character be defined in one period of their life? How will society regard this man in history?

The truth is that Ike Turner was both – an achievement and a disappointment, talented and flawed. Though to ignore that in the wake of his death would be a disservice to his memory no matter which way those remembering are swayed.

In his own words during an interview with the Associated Press “I know what I am in my heart. And I know regardless of what I’ve done, good and bad, it took it all to make me what I am today,”