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Ike Turner dies at age of 76

Ike Turner, whose role as one of rock's critical architects was overshadowed by his ogrelike image as the man who brutally abused former wife Tina Turner, has died at his home in suburban San Diego. He was 76.

Turner died on Wednesday at his San Marcos home, Scott Hanover of Thrill Entertainment Group, which managed Turner's career, said.

There was no immediate word on the cause of death, which was first reported by celebrity Web site TMZ.com.

Turner managed to rehabilitate his image somewhat in later years, touring around the globe with his band the Kings of Rhythm and drawing critical acclaim for his work. He won a Grammy this year in the traditional blues album category for Risin' With the Blues.

But his image is forever identified as the drug-addicted, wife-abusing husband of Tina Turner. He was hauntingly portrayed by Laurence Fishburne in the movie What's Love Got To Do With It, based on Tina Turner's autobiography.

Tina Turner declined to comment on her ex-husband's death.

"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," said her spokeswoman, Michele Schweitzer.

In a 2001 interview Turner denied his ex-wife's claims of abuse, despite having acknowledged in his 1999 autobiography, Takin' Back My Name, that he hit Tina. He denied in the book that the hitting amounted to beating.

He also expressed frustration that he had been demonized in the media while his historic role in rock's beginnings had been ignored.

``You can go ask Snoop Dogg or Eminem, you can ask the Rolling Stones or [Eric] Clapton, or you can ask anybody -- anybody, they all know my contribution to music, but it hasn't been in print about what I've done or what I've contributed until now,'' he said.

Turner is credited by many rock historians with making the first rock 'n' roll record, ``Rocket 88,'' in 1951. Produced by the legendary Sam Phillips, it was groundbreaking for its use of distorted electric guitar.

In interviews toward the end of his life, Turner would acknowledge having made many mistakes, but maintained he was still able to carry himself with pride.

"I know what I am in my heart. And I know regardless of what I've done, good and bad, it took it all to make me what I am today," he said.
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