15 December 2007

TO THE FIRST ROCK n' ROLL PERFORMER


Now y'all know as much as I love Anna Mae Bullock (Tina Turner) I could not the allow the passing of the founder of Rock n' Roll to go unnoticed. Ike Turner is a MUSICAL legend. Don't the movie fool you, Ike was a pioneer in the business that we call entertainment. There wasn't a live show, hotter, greater, sexier, and electrifying as the Ike and Tina Turner Revue. In case you don't know what a revue is let me refresh you; revue: a theatrical production consisting typically of brief loosely connected often satirical skits, songs, and dances . If that ain't some Nutbush City type shit I surely don't know what is. Basically Ike was fire.

Ike Turner's legacy sadly may be that as the poster boy for abusive husbands. Sadly the same way we make our beds is the way we make our peace. The movie What's Love Got To Do With It focused more on Ike as an abusive man and less on his talents as a good musician as well. The movie although successful could have done a better job of describing the Godfather of Rock n' Roll. A man who taught B. B. King a thing or two, a man who was idolized back in the day by some of the best guitarist in the game including Jimi Hendrix and Keith Richards.

Ike Turner is often credited as the first person (ever) to record a Rock n' Roll song. With distorted guitar tunes all around Rocket 88 is something to listen to for a history buff and for anyone who appreciates music. Rocket 88 was so influential and ahead of its time that the self proclaimed originator and emancipator of Rock n' Roll, His Majesty Little Richard borrowed Ike Turner's piano intro on Rocket 88' note for note. I'll drink to Ike Turner this evening, and not because I need a drink like all hell, but because his talent should also be considered when bringing up his name.

No comments: