Rock and roll pioneer Ike Turner, a controversial though incredibly beloved figure in music, passed away today in San Diego at the age of 76. Born in Clarksdale, MS, he was one of the last living legends of the rock and roll era.

Turner, it is agreed by critics and historians, wrote and recorded in 1951 the first official “rock and roll” song, “Rocket ’88”, at Sam Phillips Recording Company here in Memphis with Jackie Brenston and the Delta Kings (who were actually Turner’s Kings of Rhythm and to whom the song was later credited, reportedly “for financial reasons”). But Ike’s biggest successes as a performer and songwriter finally came with the Ike & Tina Turner Review, a partnership which produced a string of hit songs and, along with it, the virtues and vices of fame and fortune.

It goes without saying that his private life with ex-wife Tina Turner became the stuff of controversy, documented both in Tina’s autobiography and the film What’s Love Got To Do With It?, and Ike’s struggles with both marital and heavy substance abuses led to a number of tumultuous relationships and run-ins with the law which would serve to derail his career.

However, in spite of his reputation both on and off the road, Turner remained a respected artist for his early contributions to rock and roll and toured up until the time of his death. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991 and was awarded a lifetime achievement by the Recording Academy in 2002 for his many accomplishments as a producer, talent scout, songwriter and musician, a list too great and many to list here.

R.I.P. Ike

Jackie Brenston & His Delta Cats (featuring Ike Turner on piano) – Rocket 88

Check out more on Ike Turner at Living In Stereo.