Ike Turner Dead at 76

Ike Turner (a Clarksdale, MS native such as myself) died today in his sleep. Often infamously noted for drug and alcohol fueled physical abuse of his loved ones (Notably Tina Turner), Ike Turner's musical contributions were substantial. In 1951 he recorded Rocket 88, which is about the Oldsmobile 88 which had just come into production 2 years earlier. The song has perhaps the earliest example of 'fuzz' or guitar distortion. As the performers were making their way up Hwy 61 from Mississippi to record the song (with soon-to-be musical giant Sam Phillips), their amp fell out of the back of their car. the damage created a distorted sound that has given inspiration to countless rock and roll songs. It has been argued by many that this is the first Rock 'N Roll song, which is saying something.