Cynics Unlimited

RnB legend Ike Turner passed away earlier today:

Turner died at his suburban San Diego home on Wednesday, according to a statement from his manager Scott M. Hanover.
Cause of death has not been released.
Turner, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, is credited by many rock historians with making the first rock ‘n’ roll record, “Rocket 88,” in 1951. Produced by the legendary Sam Phillips, it was groundbreaking for its use of distorted electric guitar.
But as would be the case for most of his career, Turner, a prolific session guitarist and piano player, was not the star on the record - it was recorded with Turner’s band but credited to singer Jackie Brenston.

Unfortunately, Turner’s public legacy up to his death was “Mr. Tina Turner” – and a violent one at that. Perhaps this reputation was deserved, but people should sill remember that Turner was a pioneer of Rock n Roll music and should not be vilified in an industry that maintains a soft-spot for super bad boys like Ozzy Osbourne, Tommy Lee and Sid Vicious. Rocket 88 remains one of the catchiest Rock n Roll tracks to date.

Having been raised on a steady musical diet rich in RnB, I’ve taken a liking to much of Ike’s work (particularly with Tina) and his impact on modern music cannot be overestimated.

Click on the YouTube link below to listen to Rocket 88