Biography
Ike & Tina Turner were an influential American musical duo formed by Ike Turner and Tina Turner (born Anna Mae Bullock). Their partnership began in St. Louis in the late 1950s when Tina, then a teenager, impressed Ike with her powerful, raspy voice and soon became the lead singer of his band, the Kings of Rhythm. The pair married in 1962 and launched the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, which quickly became renowned for its electrifying live performances, featuring Tina’s dynamic stage presence and Ike’s musical direction. Their early 1960s hits, including 'A Fool In Love,' 'It's Gonna Work Out Fine,' and 'I Idolize You,' established them as leading figures on the R&B circuit.
The duo’s musical style blended soul, R&B, and rock, characterized by Tina’s passionate vocals and energetic dancing, supported by the Ikettes and the Kings of Rhythm. In 1966, they collaborated with producer Phil Spector on the landmark single 'River Deep – Mountain High,' which found greater success in Europe than the U.S. Their popularity surged in the late 1960s and early 1970s with reinterpretations of rock songs like 'Proud Mary,' which won them a Grammy Award, and 'Nutbush City Limits.' Despite their professional achievements, their marriage was tumultuous, marked by Ike’s abuse and substance issues, leading to their split in 1976. Tina Turner went on to a legendary solo career, while Ike continued to work in music until his death in 2007. The duo’s legacy endures, with induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991 and continued recognition for their contributions to soul and rock music.
Fun Facts
- Tina Turner’s real name was Anna Mae Bullock, and she was born in Nutbush, Tennessee, which inspired their hit 'Nutbush City Limits.'
- The duo’s performance of 'Proud Mary' is considered one of the most iconic live renditions in rock history and won them a Grammy Award in 1972.
- Phil Spector considered 'River Deep – Mountain High' his best work, but it was more successful in Europe than in the U.S.
- Ike & Tina Turner were among the first Black artists to tour extensively with major rock bands, helping to break racial barriers in the music industry.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- B.B. King - Ike Turner was influenced by blues legends like B.B. King during his formative years as a musician in the Mississippi Delta. (Early blues recordings and performances) [1940s-1950s]
Key Collaborators
- Phil Spector - Produced the iconic single 'River Deep – Mountain High' with Tina Turner, paying Ike to stay out of the studio. ('River Deep – Mountain High') [1966]
- The Ikettes - Served as the backing vocalists and dancers for the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, contributing to their signature live sound. (Live performances, studio recordings) [1960-1976]
- The Rolling Stones - Ike & Tina Turner toured with The Rolling Stones, exposing them to a broader rock audience. (UK tour) [1966, 1969]
Artists Influenced
- Beyoncé - Cites Tina Turner as a major influence for her stage presence and vocal style. (Live performances, especially tributes to Tina Turner) [2000s–present]
- Janet Jackson - Inspired by Tina Turner’s blend of dance and vocal performance. (Stage shows, choreography) [1980s–present]
- Mick Jagger - Influenced by Tina Turner’s energetic stagecraft, which he incorporated into his own performances. (Rolling Stones live shows) [1970s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Workin' Together | 1970-04-19 | Album |
| River Deep-Mountain High | 1966-01-01 | Album |
| Nutbush City Limits | 1973-11-01 | Album |
| Come Together | 1970-05-08 | Album |
| Outta Season | 1969-01-01 | Album |
| The Soul Of Ike & Tina Turner | 1960-01-01 | Album |
| Dynamite | 1963-07-30 | Album |
| The Hunter | 1969-01-17 | Album |
| Live! The World Of Ike & Tina | 1973-09-01 | Album |
| Outta' Season | 1968 | Album |
| Ike & Tina Turner’s Kings Of Rhythm Dance | 1961-02-02 | Album |
| It's Gonna Work Out Fine | 1963-02-16 | Album |
| Let Me Touch Your Mind | 1972-12-08 | Album |
| Acid Queen | 2023-02-15 | Album |
| Ike & Tina Turner All The Hits | 2022-01-17 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Proud Mary (Workin' Together)
- River Deep - Mountain High (River Deep-Mountain High)
- Nutbush City Limits
- Nutbush City Limits (Nutbush City Limits)
- River Deep - Mountain High
- Nutbush City Limits
- River Deep - Mountain High - Remastered Version 1991
- Come Together
- River Deep - Mountain High (Nutbush City Limits)
- Come Together (Come Together)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
ike and tina has been played 4 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 3, 2025 | 21:44 | you're still my baby | Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr. | |
| Oct 20, 2025 | 19:31 | i'm fed up | Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr. | |
| Oct 9, 2025 | 20:08 | get back. | R&Bw/ Your Cousin Dimitri | |
| Sep 22, 2025 | 07:05 | i'm jealousfrom dynamite! | The Morning Setw/ Stuart Hall |