Ike Turner, the late former husband of singer Tina Turner was laid to rest on Friday in a three-hour funeral service in California. Ike, 76 - who died on December 13 - was honored in the service at the Greater Bethany Community Church City of Refuge in which his eight-piece band, the Kings of Rhythm, performed some of his greatest hits, including 'Nutbush City Limits' and 'Proud Mary'.
Ike's daughter, Mia, and legendary musician Little Richard, gave moving speeches about their memories of Ike.
Mia said: "Daddy wouldn't want any of us crying. He would want us to throw a party."
Little Richard added: "Ike was one of the greatest musicians I have ever met in my life. His massive hit 'Rocket 88 shook my soul. I took that same introduction and made 'Good Golly, Miss Molly'. I took that same thing and made a huge hit, thanks to him."
Richard also referred to the controversial reputation Ike had, and pleaded with people to: "Stop holding this mess - whatever it is - against this man. Even Jesus forgives."
Although Ike was revered in the music world his image was permanently tarnished by the violent relationship he had with ex-wife Tina Turner, who did not attend Friday's service.
Troubled Phil Spector, also gave a tribute to the later singer, saying: "There was only one Ike, and I learned more from Ike than any professors I know. He was demonised and vilified by Tina."
When Spector went on to call the 1993 film 'What's Love Got To Do With It', based on Tina's autobiography, a "piece of trash movie," he received applause from some mourners in the church.
He added: "Ike made Tina the jewel she was."
Ike's son, Ike Turner Jr., appeared on stage to give a moving tribute to his late father.
He said: "He made billions and billions and billions of people happy. He had the best life."
The service finished with mourners taking it in turns to pay their respects to Ike, who lay in a casket underneath a guitar-shaped wreath of white flowers.
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