Izear “Ike” Turner Jr., the son of music legends Tina Turner and Ike Turner, has passed away at the age of 67. He died in a Los Angeles hospital after struggling with kidney failure and recovering from a stroke. His niece, Jacquline Bullock, confirmed the news.
Ike Jr. was born in 1958 and adopted by Tina when she married Ike Turner in 1962. Growing up in a musical environment, he eventually carved out his own niche in the industry, becoming a producer and musician. His career included a Grammy Award for producing his father’s album, Risin’ With the Blues, in 2007.
Tina and Ike had four children together, including Ike Jr. and Ronnie. After their marriage ended in 1978, Tina became outspoken about the abuse she faced during their time together. In a 2018 interview, Ike Jr. revealed that his relationship with Tina was strained. His father was not supportive of him working with her after their separation.
Ike Jr. shared that he left school at 13 to manage his father’s recording studio and tour with the family. He reflected on how much time he spent away from his parents during their busy schedules. Before his passing, he played with a tribute band called The Love Thang Band.
Ike Jr. now joins a tragic family legacy. His mother, Tina, died in May 2023, while his father passed away in 2007. Ike Jr. also lost two brothers: Craig died by suicide in 2018, and Ronnie succumbed to colon cancer in 2022.
This series of losses highlights the often difficult realities of life in the spotlight. Social media reactions to Ike Jr.’s death show a mix of sorrow and gratitude for his family’s musical contributions. Fans and industry peers alike are reflecting on the impact of both parents on the music world.
Statistics show that many musicians face similar struggles, with a notable percentage experiencing mental health issues exacerbated by fame. This makes the narrative of the Turner family particularly poignant in the context of today’s conversations about mental health in the arts.
For more information on related topics, check out the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for insights into mental health trends affecting artists today.