Ike Turner Jr. dies at 67: What to know about the Grammy winner and son of Ike and Tina Turner

Entertainment
Micheal Olaleye
October 6, 2025
134

Ike Turner and Tina Turner perform in 1976, Ike Turner Jr. in 2007. Image Credit: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty; Bob Riha, Jr./Getty

Ike Turner Jr., Grammy-winning musician and son of legendary performers Ike and Tina Turner, has died at the age of 67. According to his cousin Jacqueline Bullock, he passed away on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at a Los Angeles hospital due to kidney failure. His death comes just one day after his birthday. Turner had battled heart complications for years and suffered a stroke last month.

A Life in Music from an Early Age

Born in 1958 to Ike Turner and Lorraine Taylor, Ike Jr. was later adopted by Tina Turner after her marriage to Ike Sr. From childhood, his musical talent was unmistakable. Family members recalled that there was no instrument he did not want to play. Initially drawn to the drums, he later gravitated toward the keyboard, eventually becoming a skilled multi-instrumentalist.

Ike Jr. helped run Bolic Sound Studios, the recording hub established by his father. His career extended beyond performance, he became a sought-after sound engineer and producer, contributing significantly to blues and soul music.

Grammy Recognition and Career Highlights

In 2007, Ike Turner Jr. earned a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album for his work on his father’s record Risin’ With the Blues. This achievement cemented his reputation as a respected musician in his own right. Throughout his career, he collaborated with several artists while carrying forward the Turner family’s enduring musical legacy.

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Family Losses and Tributes

Ike Turner Jr. was part of a complex but deeply talented family. He was the brother of Michael Turner, Ronnie Turner, who died in 2022 from colon cancer, and Craig Turner, who died in 2018. His adoptive mother Tina Turner passed away in May 2023, while his father Ike Sr. died in 2007.

Tina Turner and Ike Turner with their children in 1972. Image Credit: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

Tributes have poured in since his passing. His cousin Jacqueline Bullock described him as more of a brother than a cousin, saying, “Junior was more than family, he was a brother with unmatched talent and spirit.” His sister-in-law, Afida Turner, also honored him on Instagram, writing, “REST IN PEACE IKE JR. U WAS AMAZING BROTHER IN LAW.”

Remembering His Legacy

Ike Turner Jr.’s journey was marked by music, resilience, and dedication. While the Turner family faced public struggles, his contributions to blues and sound engineering will remain part of his lasting impact. Fans and family alike remember him not only as the son of music icons but as an artist who carved his own path in the industry.

FAQ

Q1: Who was Ike Turner Jr.?

A1: Ike Turner Jr. was the son of Ike Turner and Lorraine Taylor, later adopted by Tina Turner. He was a musician, producer, and Grammy Award-winning sound engineer best known for his work in blues music.

Q2: How did Ike Turner Jr. die?

A2: Ike Turner Jr. died from kidney failure on October 4, 2025, in Los Angeles. He had been battling heart problems and suffered a stroke in the weeks leading up to his death.

Q3: How old was Ike Turner Jr. when he died?

A3: Ike Turner Jr. was 67 years old at the time of his death, passing away just one day after his birthday.

Q4: Did Ike Turner Jr. win a Grammy?

A4: Yes, Ike Turner Jr. won a Grammy Award in 2007 for Best Traditional Blues Album for his contributions to his father’s album Risin’ With the Blues.

Q5: Was Ike Turner Jr. Tina Turner’s biological son?

A5: No, Ike Turner Jr. was the biological son of Ike Turner and Lorraine Taylor. However, Tina Turner adopted him after her marriage to Ike Sr., raising him as her own.

Q6: What happened to Ike Turner Jr.’s siblings?

A6: Ike Turner Jr.’s siblings included Michael Turner, Craig Turner, and Ronnie Turner. Craig died in 2018, Ronnie died in 2022, and Tina Turner, his adoptive mother, died in 2023. His father Ike Sr. passed in 2007.

Q7: What is Ike Turner Jr.’s musical legacy?

A7: Ike Turner Jr. was a versatile musician who mastered multiple instruments. He worked as a sound engineer, producer, and performer, carrying on the Turner family’s legacy in blues and soul. His Grammy win highlighted his individual contributions to music.

Q8: What did family members say about Ike Turner Jr.’s death?

A8: His cousin Jacqueline Bullock described him as “more than a cousin, but a brother,” praising his lifelong dedication to music. His sister-in-law, Afida Turner, also paid tribute on social media, calling him an “amazing brother-in-law.”