Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Ike Turner was born this day in 1931


Ike Turner was born this day in 1931 in Clarksdale, MS.  Years before he started a duo career with Tina Turner, Ike played key roles with his band "Kings Of Rhythm" in early Rock & Roll and blues.  In fact, many regard a recording called "Rocket 88" that featured Ike on the piano (song credited to Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats) to be the first rock and roll record.  This recording has one of the first examples of guitar distortion.  This was a result of the amp falling off the truck and puncturing the speaker en route to record this song with Sam Phillips in Memphis.  The piece of paper and tape used to fix the amp gave it that distorted sound.  Check it out here...