The news of Tina Turner and Ike Turner’s son, Ike Turner Jr., was announced on Sunday, October 5. He was 67.
Ike Turner Jr.’s Cousin Shares Loving Tribute
Before Turner Jr.’s passing, his cousin Jacqueline Bullock revealed he had been suffering from health issues. “Ike Jr. died Saturday at a Los Angeles hospital from kidney failure,” Bullock told TMZ. The publication reports that Turner Jr. had “battled severe heart issues for years” and had “recently suffered a stroke in early September.” In another, lengthier statement, Bullock also revealed what it was like to grow up as the son of the “What’s Love Got to Do with It” singer and Turner Sr.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of my cousin, Ike Turner, Jr.,” Bullock told the New York Post. “‘Junior’ was more than a cousin to me, but rather a brother, as we grew up in the same famed household together.”
How Ike Turner Jr. Grew Up
Bullock’s statement reveals what it was like growing up in Tina’s household. She said, “As the son of Tina and Ike Turner, from an early age, his talents were evident as there wasn’t an instrument he did not want to play. While he favored the drums early on, my aunt and his mother, Tina Turner, insisted that he break down his drum kit after each practice. This led him to favor the keys. Eventually, Junior would end up helping to run Bolic Sound Studios, the recording studios founded by his father, Ike Turner.” Tina adopted Turner Jr., but his biological parents are Lorraine Taylor and Turner Sr.
Bullock praised her cousin for his talents as a musician, sound engineer, and even a Grammy winner, having worked on his father, Turner Sr.’s, album, “Risin’ With The Blues.” She also requested privacy for the family during this difficult time.
Tributes Pour in for Ike Turner Jr.
Social media has been filled with loving tributes for Turner Jr., including one from his brother Ronnie Turner’s widow, Afida Turner. In an Instagram post on Sunday, October 5, Afida called Turner Jr. an “amazing brother-in-law,” and revealed how she had a phone call with him before his passing.
Afida’s short but loving post has received support, with fans sharing their condolences and praising her beautiful tribute.
