Turner was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi on November 5, 1931, to Beatrice Cushenberry, a seamstress, and Izear Luster Turner, a Baptist minister. Ike got his first taste the music business at the age of eight, helping the DJ at a local Clarksdale radio station, WROX.
Turner was soon carrying amplifiers for blues singer Robert Nighthawk, who often played live on WROX. Growing up, Turner's idol Pinetop Perkins helped teach the young Ike to play boogie-woogie on the piano. Ike soon was enamored of other blues artists such as Howlin' Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson (Rice Miller), Charley Booker, Elmore James, Muddy Waters and Little Walter.
Ike Turner's actual music career began in earnest in the late-1940s where he formed a group he christened Ike Turner & The Kings of Rhythm. In 1951, the band recorded what some historians have called "the first rock and roll record" with "Rocket 88", credited to Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats (this band did not actually exist). Brenston was both the band's saxophonist and the lead vocalist of the song, and on the original Chess release was listed as the song's writer. "Rocket 88" was produced at Sun Studio in Memphis by Sam Phillips. The record was one of the first examples of guitar distortion, which happened by accident when one of the amplifiers was dropped before the recording.
Ike Turner & The Kings of Rhythm settled into local fame in St. Louis where the band locally recorded for a St. Louis label and even appeared on local television shows. Throughout this early period, Turner became a recording scout and A&R man for independent record companies including Sun Records, helping the likes of Howlin' Wolf, Sonny Boy Williamson, Elmore James and Otis Rush get signed. He also became a sideman playing guitar for these blues acts and more. Musically, Turner was known for his hard-hitting guitar style. He was known to put the whammy bar of his Fender Stratocaster to frequent use.
Turner's music career changed drastically after meeting a teenage singer from Nutbush, Tennessee, named Anna Mae Bullock, who demandingly grabbed a microphone during a singing session at one of St. Louis' nightspots and sang a B.B. King song in her now-trademark throated raspy vocals. Bullock's performance impressed Ike so much he allowed Anna to join his band as a background singer. However within a year, Ike's plans for Bullock changed after Anna recorded what he originally stated was a demo for a song that was to be sung by a male vocalist. After hearing her vocals, he let it be released under an independent label and in the process changed the name of the singer from Anna Mae Bullock to Tina Turner - naming her after Sheena - and the name of the band to the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. It is believed that this singular act is what propelled Tina Turner into the spotlight. "A Fool in Love" became a national hit in early 1960, reaching the top three in the R&B charts and becoming a top thirty pop hit in the process. From then until 1976, Ike & Tina Turner became one of the most explosive duos in rock & soul music.
After Tina abruptly left Ike after a violent altercation in 1976, Ike lost ground in the national music market. As a solo artist, he struggled to find success after Tina and after releasing two failed solo albums, had found himself facing drug and weapons charges, of which he was convicted in 1989.
When Ike was released from prison in 1993, he was met at the prison gate by Jeanette Bazzell who later became his wife. Jeanette was instrumental in helping Ike rebuild his career. She replaced Tina as Ike's lead singer and eventually they toured the world playing many blues festivals. After the intense negative publicity generated against him as a wife abuser by Tina's movie, "What's Love Got to Do with It", Ike's acceptance in the USA as a legendary blues artist and composer was limited, though better in other countries. During this time he recorded two solo albums in his own studio, and he wrote his autobiography called Taking Back My Name. He also re-recorded "I'm Blue" in a duet style with Billy Rogers. The remake received strong reviews from Billboard Magazine.
Ike was back on the road and back into recording music, which continued until his death. In 2001, Ike released the Grammy-nominated Here & Now album. In 2005, he appeared on the Gorillaz' album, Demon Days, playing piano on the track, "Every Planet We Reach Is Dead". In 2007, Ike won his first solo Grammy in the Best Traditional Blues Album category for the album, Risin' With the Blues. Shortly before his death, a collaboration between Turner and The Black Keys was planned, but the project would never be completed, .
Turner died on December 12, 2007 at 76 years of age at his home in San Marcos, California, near San Diego. Little Richard was asked by the family to speak at the funeral. The San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office reported that Turner died from a cocaine overdose complicated by "[...] other significant conditions, such as hypertensive cardiovascular disease and pulmonary emphysema."
Come Together
Ike Turner Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Shoot me
Shoot me
Shoot me
Here come old flat top
He come groovin' up slowly
He's got ju-ju eyeball
He's got hair down to his knee
He's got to be a joker
He just do what he please
Shoot me
Shoot me
Shoot me
Shoot me
He wear no shoeshine
He's got toe jam football
He's got monkey finger
He shoot Coca-Cola
He says I know you, you know me
It's one thing I can tell you is
You got to be free
Come together, right now
Over me
Shoot me
Shoot me
Shoot me
He bag production
He's got walrus gumboot
He's got Ono psycho
He one spinal cracker
He's got feet down below his knee
Hold you in his arms 'til
You can feel his disease
Come together, right now
Over me
Shoot me
Shoot me
He roller coaster
He's got early warning
He's got muddy water
He one mojo filter
He says one and one and one is three
Got to be good looking
'Cause he's so hard to see
Come together, right now
Over me
Shoot me
Uh
Come together, yeah
Come together, yeah
Come together, yeah
Come together, yeah
Ike Turner's song "Come Together" is a unique and captivating piece that captures the essence of rock and blues. The repetition of the phrase "Shoot me" throughout the song adds a sense of urgency and intensity, creating a raw and unfiltered emotion.
The opening lines, "Here come old flat top, He come groovin' up slowly," describe the arrival of a charismatic and unconventional individual. The line "He's got ju-ju eyeball, He one holy roller" suggests that this person is eccentric and spiritual in nature. The mention of his long hair and carefree attitude indicates that he is a free spirit who does whatever pleases him.
The lyrics continue with descriptions of the individual's unique traits and behaviors. His disregard for societal norms is evident in lines like "He wear no shoeshine" and "He shoot Coca-Cola." The mention of "monkey finger" and "toe jam football" creates vivid imagery, emphasizing his unusual and idiosyncratic persona.
The chorus "Come together, right now, over me" carries a message of unity and solidarity. It suggests that despite our differences, we should come together and embrace each other's uniqueness. The repeated phrase "Shoot me" throughout the song can be interpreted as a plea to be seen and understood, to break down barriers and connect on a deeper level.
Overall, Ike Turner's "Come Together" delves into the idea of embracing individuality, breaking free from societal expectations, and finding unity in diversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Shoot me
Expressing a desire to be shot, possibly as a metaphor for feeling overwhelmed or wanting to escape from a difficult situation.
Here come old flat top
An introduction to a person who stands out due to their appearance or demeanor.
He come groovin' up slowly
Approaching with a relaxed, cool attitude.
He's got ju-ju eyeball
His eyes possess a mysterious, enchanting quality.
He one holy roller
Referring to someone who is deeply religious or spiritual.
He's got hair down to his knee
His hair is long, emphasizing his individuality or rebellious nature.
He's got to be a joker
Believing that he possesses a playful and humorous personality.
He just do what he please
Living his life according to his own desires and not conforming to societal expectations.
He wear no shoeshine
Not concerned with superficial appearances or societal norms.
He's got toe jam football
Possibly referring to uncleanliness or unconventional habits.
He's got monkey finger
Referring to dexterity or skill, similar to a monkey's ability to use its hands skillfully.
He shoot Coca-Cola
Indicating his preference for or addiction to a popular carbonated beverage.
He says I know you, you know me
Claiming familiarity and understanding between himself and others.
It's one thing I can tell you is
Expressing certainty or emphasizing a particular point.
You got to be free
Encouraging others to prioritize their personal freedom and autonomy.
Come together, right now
Advocating for unity and togetherness in the present moment.
Over me
Referring to himself as someone who can bring people together or be a unifying force.
He bag production
Possibly referring to him being involved in the music industry or artistic endeavors.
He's got walrus gumboot
Possessing unique or eccentric items that reflect his individuality or creativity.
He's got Ono psycho
Alluding to Yoko Ono, a controversial artist, possibly suggesting an affinity for unconventional or avant-garde art.
He one spinal cracker
Possibly indicating a talent for manipulation or disruptive behavior.
He's got feet down below his knee
Describing an unusual physical attribute, implying uniqueness or peculiarity.
Hold you in his arms 'til
Offering emotional support or comfort until a certain point or until a particular situation resolves.
You can feel his disease
Metaphorically referring to a negative influence or harm that he carries.
He roller coaster
Describing himself as going through ups and downs or having an unpredictable nature.
He's got early warning
Having the ability to sense or predict potential issues or dangers ahead of time.
He's got muddy water
Referring to a complicated or unclear situation or mindset.
He one mojo filter
Possessing a mysterious charm or aura that attracts or influences others.
He says one and one and one is three
Expressing a belief in unconventional or non-traditional thinking, suggesting that things may not always fit into expected patterns or equations.
Got to be good looking
Emphasizing the importance of attractiveness or charisma.
'Cause he's so hard to see
Highlighting the elusiveness or enigmatic nature of his personality or presence.
Uh
An interjection, possibly indicating a pause or transition in the lyrics.
Come together, yeah
Encouraging unity, agreement, or collaboration.
Come together, yeah
Reiterating the call for unity or cooperation.
Come together, yeah
Continuing to emphasize the importance of togetherness or collaboration.
Come together, yeah
Further reinforcing the message of unity or coming together.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Tratore
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Michael Brickley
Please give Ms Tina Turner her flowers 🌺 while she can still appreciate them. She has earned and deserves that. Her version of this song is straight 🔥. It reaches out to your soul
Liz Klosowski
R.I.P. to this legendary groundbreaking star. 💔 She could do it all. 🎶 She was simply THE BEST! ❤
Mark Simon
This was the first version I ever heard growing up until I was about 12. Then after Lennon got shot I found out it was a Beatles tune. I love the original but since this was the first one I heard I still gravitate to it. Great energy.....
Teo Phil
My parents were very proud of their copy of Tina's version. We knew Beatles did it first but you'd go to jail for having Beatles, or anything western. So it was hard to get anything, and if you did get some tunes, you only play them around very trusted, non snitching friends and family, at very low volume level. This was in late 80s in Bulgaria 🇧🇬. It was under the USSR control, and communism was everywhere, but Tina planted the seed of freedom in my soul. I didn't even know English, at the time lol. Music frees your mind! God bless her.
David_Cop_A_Feel
@Teo Phil - Did you ever play Back In The USSR?
Teo Phil
@David_Cop_A_Feel my parents did
Debbie Bosetti
Lol I never heard her version.
Zeno Sonik
Tina just kills it here! I just recently heard this rendition for the first time (like 10 minutes ago) and was compelled to look it up. I' love the original Beatles version, but dare I say, Tina's vocals took it to a whole new level. Damn she was good!
BillieDee SmithPirela
She did this more justice then the Beatles in my opinion
She is the TRUE QUEEN OF ROCK
bunchlead
No, no nooooooo. Lennon and The Beatles own this. Good cover though.