Ike Turner

USA, 1951–2007

Bandleader, talent scout and pioneer — his 'Rocket 88' (1951) is a candidate for the first rock'n'roll record; he built the Ike & Tina revue and shaped Tina Turner's early career.

MusicRoots documents 2 artists who influenced Ike Turner and 2 artists Ike Turner influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Ike Turner?

• Joe Willie Perkins (Pinetop) — Ike learned boogie-woogie piano as a boy from Pinetop Perkins — the Delta blues pianist who gave him his keyboard foundation.
• Sonny Boy Williamson II — At thirteen Ike backed Sonny Boy Williamson II on piano — an early apprenticeship in the Delta blues circuit.

Which artists did Ike Turner influence?

• Tina Turner — Ike Turner discovered and shaped Tina — bandleader and mentor of the Ike & Tina revue, he built the R&B-rock vehicle her voice exploded out of.
• Little Richard — Turner's piano intro on 'Rocket 88' is what sent Richard to the keyboard, and he used it again, note for note, as the lead-in to 'Good Golly, Miss Molly'.