Person · 1931–2007 · Memphis [35.15, -90.05]
Ike Turner
A Mississippi bandleader and piano player, Ike Turner led the Kings of Rhythm, the group that drove from Clarksdale to Memphis to cut 'Rocket 88' at Phillips's studio in 1951. He wrote and arranged much of that session even though the vocal credit went to his saxophonist Jackie Brenston. Turner remained a key talent scout and session force linking Delta R&B to the rock 'n' roll that followed. His early work sits at the contested headwaters of the genre.
Evidence2
- Wikidata: Ike TurnerWikidata
www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q208871
accessed 2026-06-04
- MusicBrainz: Ike TurnerMusicBrainz
musicbrainz.org/artist/b66fa5c1-ebab-402a-865d-26acaf8de3d5
accessed 2026-06-04
Connections1
collaborates with → Recording of "Rocket 88" at Memphis Recording Service (1951)
Ike Turner led the band that drove from Clarksdale to Memphis to record 'Rocket 88' at Sam Phillips's studio in 1951, writing and arranging the music even as the vocal credit went elsewhere. His role at the keyboard and as bandleader places him at the contested origin point of rock 'n' roll.