Wednesday, December 12, 2007

*UPDATED* IKE TURNER DEAD AT THE AGE OF 76; EX-WIFE, TINA TURNER, RELEASES STATMENT.

Ike Turner, whose role as one of rock's critical architects was overshadowed by his ogrelike image as the man who brutally abused former wife Tina Turner, died Wednesday at his home in suburban San Diego. He was 76. Turner died at his San Marcos home, Scott M. Hanover of Thrill Entertainment Group, which managed Turner's career, told The Associated Press. There was no immediate word on the cause of death, which was first reported by celebrity Web site TMZ.com. 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. He won a Grammy in 2007 in the traditional blues album category for Risin' With the Blues.

But his image is forever identified as the drug-addicted, wife-abusing husband of Tina Turner. He was hauntingly portrayed by Laurence Fishburne in the movie What's Love Got To Do With It, based on Tina Turner's autobiography. Tina Turner declined to comment on her ex-husband's death. "Tina is aware that Ike passed away earlier today. She has not had any contact with him in 35 years. No further comment will be made," said her spokeswoman, Michele Schweitzer.

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. But as would be the case for most of his career, Turner, a prolific session guitarist and piano player, was not the star on the record — it was recorded with Turner's band but credited to singer Jackie Brenston. And it would be another singer — a young woman named Anna Mae Bullock — who would bring Turner his greatest fame, and infamy.


READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP + WATCH VIDEO OF IKE & TINA PERFORMING PROUD MARY.


Turner met the 18-year-old Bullock, whom he would later marry, in 1959 and quickly made the husky-voiced woman the lead singer of his group, refashioning her into the sexy Tina Turner. Her stage persona was highlighted by short skirts and stiletto heels that made her legs her most visible asset. But despite the glamorous image, she still sang with the grit and fervor of a rock singer with a twist of soul. The pair would have two sons. They also produced a string of hits. The first, A Fool In Love, was a top R&B song in 1959, and others followed, including I Idolize You and It's Gonna Work Out Fine.

CONTINUE READING HERE


WATCH IKE & TINA PERFORM 'PROUD MARY' CIRCA 1974.

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JENNIFER LOPEZ'S BABY SHOWER GIFT REGISTERY REVEALED; REQUESTED ITEMS SUGGEST SINGER IS EXPECTING BOY/GIRL TWINS.

Looks like Diddy (who has self proclaimed himself as the godfather of Jennifer and Marc's alleged twins) is gonna have to work overtime to fulfill his ex-girlfriend's list of goodies for her soon-to-be bundles of joy.

The New York Daily News has gained access to the baby shower gift registry set up by celeb couple Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony at exclusive L.A. baby boutique Petit Tresor. From the looks of things, it appears true that J.Lo is pregnant with twins – a boy and a girl. After weeks of speculation and photos showing an obvious baby bump, the entertainer finally confirmed her pregnancy in early Nov. during the last stop of her tour with Anthony in Miami.

Included on the Petit Tresor gift registry are $349 cashmere outfits, one in pink stripes, one in blue, from Baby CZ, according to the newspaper. Also requested are two Moses baskets for $225 each and Smushy teddy bears with pink or blue ribbons for $65. Also listed is a Balmoral enameled black carriage for $3,495, a $289 suede play mat and a $560 jogging stroller for two. She's also requested two double Peg Perego strollers for $429 — one in toffee, and one in mint. The cheapest item, according to the Daily News, is the Adiri Natural Nurser at $22. J.Lo would like 10 of those.

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QUEEN LATIFAH LAUGHS OFF RUMORS THAT SHE'S ENGAGED HER FEMALE PERSONAL TRAINER.

Well, once again, MediaFakeout.com has proven their incredibility for the umpteenth time. Chicago radio personality Kendra G. of Power 92 says she got a direct answer from Queen Latifah regarding rumors that she planned to announce an engagement to her personal trainer/girlfriend. Latifah reportedly said: "Oh my goodness you guys actually believe that. You can't believe everything you read...there will be no major announcement made. The only major announcement I have to make is "Merry Christmas." The Chicago Sun-Times also asked Latifah about the rumored engagement as she worked the red carpet this past weekend. "When you're famous these days, it's just part of the deal — unfortunately," she told the newspaper in denying the claims. "People will make up all sorts of things that are not true. There ain't gonna be no wedding."

As previously reported, longstanding rumors have suggested that Latifah's trainer, Jeanette Jenkins, has actually been her girlfriend for the past four years. The artist made her comments while attending a premiere screening of her new film The Perfect Holiday at the Ice Theater in Chicago. Also walking the red carpet were Latifah's co-stars Gabrielle Union, Morris Chestnut and Faizon Love.

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NEW PICS: CELEBS AT 'I AM LEGEND' MOVIE PREMIERE IN NYC (12.12.2007)

A generous handful of celebs came out to to attend the world premiere of Will Smith's new movie I Am Legend at Madison Square Garden in New York City last night. Celebs in attendance included: Will Smith; wife Jada; son, Jaden; adorable daughter and co-star Willow Camille; Will's parents Willard, Sr. and Caroline; Salli Richardson and her husband Dondre Whitfield, Tyrese, Tom Cruise, Montel Williams (and his wife), Ice-T and his tacky ass wife, Coco: who told her to dress as if she's going to a freaking porn convention in Las Vegas?! I mean really!, Omarion, Bow Wow, Ed Lover, Mary J. Blige, Russell Simmons with his girlfriend Porshia Coleman and more.

Peep the photos below.





NOW, YALL KNOW I HAVE MORE PICS FOR YOUR VIEWING ENJOYMENT AFTER THE JUMP!





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NEW PICS: GABRIELLE UNION, MORRIS CHESTNUT, BOW WOW & OMARION VISIT B.E.T.'S 106 & PARK.'

Morris Chestnut and Gabrielle Union (along with her B.F.F. actress Essence Atkins, who stood backstage) made a stop at B.E.T.'s 106 & Park to promote their new holiday movie, Perfect Holiday, which hit stores today (12/12). The film also stars Queen Latifah, Charlie Murphy, Faizon Love, Terrence Howard, Jill Marie Jones, Rachel True and Katt Williams. Judging by the film's trailers, it looks like he may be worth seeing. And two of the music industry's prettiest and most petite boys, Omarion and Bow Wow, were also out pounding the concrete to promote their new joint effort, Face Off, which is in stores now. I would comment on O's new hairstyle. But why? I swear those dude will never, ever, ever look like grown-ass men to me. But that (Lil) Romeo? Shiiiiiiiiiiiit. Don't get me started! LOL!





As usual, there's more pictures from 106 & Park after the jump; as well as pics from Omarion and Bow Wow's visit to MTV's TRL.




Omarion and Bow Wow also hit up MTV's TRL on Tuesday. Check out the pics below.

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