Artist Of The Week: Ike Turner

Ike Turner will always be a mystery. He had tremendous talent, and had a good eye for recruiting talented players and singers for his band. Yet, he also had an evil side that is hard to understand. Regardless of his personal life, he made some great music. So in honor of his music, he is our artist of the week.

Artist Of The Week: Philadelphia Jerry Ricks

Jerry Ricks passed on earlier this week, as well as Ike Turner. This week we will dedicate the video bar to Jerry Ricks. Some of the videos are pretty rare. I seen at least two that are possibly some of the last video shot of Ricks in Croatia. As always to find the videos look for the video bar on the left side of the blog. Next week we will feature Ike Turner.

Ike Turner: I Want To Take You Higher

Here is some Ike from more recent years.

Ike Turner RIP

Ike Turner died yesterday in San Diego, he was 76 years old. Turner certainly was a person who personal life made it hard to like him, but his musical, writing, and arranging talents were beyond question. To read an obit from the Chicago Tribune Click Here.

Ike Turner Day Turned Down By St Louis

The Mayor of St. Louis, turned down the Big Muddy Blues Festival Organizers request to declare an Ike Turner Day. Ike is not the most likable person in the world, and he is being punished for his past history with his ex-wife Tina, and past drug use. However, the guy is 75 years old, and isn't time to move on. He is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, has a star on the St. Louis walk of stars, and he is an important figure in the history of Rock & Roll. Most of these old blues guys, and gals have not lived model lives.
However, it is the mayor, and the city of St Louis's decision. Certainly Ike has a good attitude about it. His answer was he was coming to play music and make the people happy, not coming to get an award. He did say that he was sorry for what he did to Tina all those years ago. At the very least he apologize to Tina and that was a good step.

For more info Click here, here, here, and here.