Ike Turner

R&B/Soul legend Ike Turner, the former husband of Tina Turner, has died at the age of 76. "Ike Turner passed away this morning. He was at his home," said Scott Hanover, an official at the performer's management company. Turner died at his home San Diego, California. There was no immediate word on the cause of death. He rose to fame in the 1960s, and is best remembered for his musical partnership and stormy marriage with Tina Turner, who said he abused her. In later years he rehabilitated his image and won his second Grammy in February for Risin' with the Blues. He shared his only other Grammy with Tina Turner in 1972 for their cover of Proud Mary. Michele Schweitzer, a spokeswoman for his former wife, said: "Tina is aware that Ike passed away earlier today. "She has not had any contact with him in 35 years. No further comment will be made." Turner, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, is credited by many music historians with making the first rock 'n' roll record, Rocket 88, in 1951. Turner was also known as a prolific session guitarist and piano player. After marrying Tina Turner in 1959, the pair produced a string of hits, including “A Fool In Love” and “It's Gonna Work Out Fine.” In 2001, Turner denied his ex-wife's claims that he abused her and expressed frustration that he had been demonised in the media.