Infamous Ike

Ike Turner performs during the "Ike Turner and The Kings of Rhythm" concert at the Stravinski Hall stage of the Montreux Jazz Festival, in Montreux, Switzerland, July 19, 2002. Turner, whose role as one of rock's critical architects was overshadowed by his ogre-like image as the man who brutally abused former wife and rock icon Tina Turner, died Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2007, at his home in suburban San Diego. He was 76.

Ike and Tina Turner perform on stage in 1966. 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.

Ike and Tina Turner in an undated photo. In a 2001 interview with The Associated Press, Turner denied his ex-wife's claims of abuse and expressed frustration that he had been demonized in the media while his historic role in rock's beginnings had been ignored.

Ike Turner and his companion Audry Madison escape the crowd following a ceremony where Turner was inducted into the St. Louis Walk of Fame, May 20, 2001, in University City, Mo.

Ike Turner poses during a ceremony inducting him into the Hollywood Rock Walk, April 4, 2005, in Los Angeles. Turner, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, 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.

Ike Turner holds his trophy for best traditional blues album at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards Feb. 11, 2007, in Los Angeles. After years out of the spotlight his career finally began to revive in 2001 when he released the album "Here and Now." The recording won rave reviews and a Grammy nomination and finally helped shift some of the public's attention away from his troubled past and onto his musical legacy.

Ike Turner, left, and Ike Turner, Jr. with their trophy for best traditional blues album at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards Feb. 11, 2007, in Los Angeles.