A funeral service for performer Ike Turner was held in Gardena, CA, yesterday (Friday), and music legend Little Richard and producer Phil Spector were among those who eulogized him, The Associated Press reports.
Ike Turner’s funeral was part memorial service, part rock concert. Little Richard described his friend as “one of the greatest musicians I have ever met in my life.” He also said that Turner’s breakthrough rock ‘n’ roll hit, “Rocket 88,” “shook my soul.”
“I took that same introduction and made `Good Golly, Miss Molly,”‘ he said. “I took that same thing and made a huge hit.”
Many speakers alluded to Turner’s personal woes, though none directly addressed his history of drug and domestic abuse.
“Stop holding this mess – whatever it is – against this man. Even Jesus forgives,” said Richard, 75, who left the service early, aided by a walker and several assistants.
Spector, who produced Turner’s song “River Deep, Mountain High,” said, “There was only one Ike, and I learned more from Ike than any professors I know.”
He went on to say that Turner was “demonized and vilified” by his ex-wife, Tina Turner. He called the 1993 film “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” based on her autobiography, a “piece of trash movie,” inspiring applause from some mourners.
“Ike made Tina the jewel she was,” said Spector, who stood trial for murder earlier this year for the shooting death of actress Lana Clarkson. A judge declared a mistrial in September after jurors failed to reach a verdict.
Spector also accused Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg of “demonizing” Turner on their talk shows.
Other speakers included Ike Turner Jr., who brought his father’s two Grammy Awards on stage.
The service began with a photo montage from throughout Turner’s life set to his song “Jesus Loves Me,” which features the refrain “I’m a bad boy, but Jesus loves me anyway.”
The service concluded with scores of mourners gathering near Turner’s casket, which sat beneath a guitar-shaped wreath made of white flowers.
A 10-piece horn-and-drum ensemble played as mourners left the church.
Information from the Associated Press contributed to this report.
