Ike Turner Jr., the son of iconic music figures Ike Turner and Tina Turner, has died at the age of 67. According to family sources, he passed away on Saturday, October 4, at a hospital in Los Angeles after suffering from kidney failure.
His cousin, Jacqueline Bullock, confirmed the news, describing him as “more than a cousin … a brother” because they grew up “in the same famed household together.” Bullock added that in recent years, Ike Jr.’s health had been deteriorating due to serious heart issues, and he had suffered a stroke in early September.
A Life in Music, Challenges Behind the Scenes
Born in 1958 to Ike Turner Sr. and Lorraine Taylor, Ike Jr. was adopted by Tina Turner and raised as her son from a young age. Over time, he developed a passion for music, showing early aptitude for multiple instruments. His interest in drums eventually shifted to keyboards — a change sometimes attributed to Tina Turner’s insistence that he dismantle his drum kit after practice, pushing him toward other musical paths.
Ike Jr. also played a role behind the scenes in music production. He co-produced his father’s final studio album, Risin’ With the Blues, which won the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album in 2007. At times, he worked as a sound engineer, though those stints were relatively brief.
Despite his musical talent, Ike Jr.’s life was also shaped by personal struggles and complex relationships. In interviews, he noted that his relationship with his mother had been distant in later years. He also publicly recounted incidents of abuse by his father and expressed frustration over estrangement from family members.
In May 2023, just weeks before Tina Turner’s own passing, Ike Jr. was arrested in Texas on drug possession charges. Authorities claimed he attempted to consume narcotics in his possession, including crack cocaine and methamphetamine.
A Legacy of Loss and Tribute
Ike Jr.’s death adds to a series of tragedies in the Turner family:
- Tina Turner died in May 2023 at age 83.
- Ike Turner Sr. died in 2007 of a cocaine overdose at the age of 76.
- Ike Jr.’s brother Ronnie (“Ronnie Turner”) died in December 2022 from complications of colon cancer.
- Another of Tina’s children, Craig Raymond Turner (born with a different father), died by suicide in 2018.
Bullock, in her statement, noted the family’s gratitude for the outpouring of condolences and asked for privacy during this time.
As news of his passing spreads, tributes are flowing from music peers, fans, and the Turner family. While Ike Turner Jr. often maintained a lower public profile than his parents, his contributions to music production and his survivors’ memories ensure that he will not be forgotten.
This story is developing, and further details — including funeral arrangements and extended family statements — may be released in the coming days.
