On May 24, 2023, the world lost the iconic ‘Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll’, Tina Turner. Born Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939, Turner became a sensation in the music industry with over six decades of an outstanding career. While her fans and admirers mourn her passing, many are curious about her personal life, especially her four sons. Here are some facts you may not know about them.
Craig Raymond Turner
Tina Turner gave birth to her first son, Craig Raymond Turner, in 1958, when she was 18. Craig’s father was the saxophonist Raymond Hill, who was a member of Ike Turner’s band, Kings of Rhythm. Tragically, Craig died in July 2018 at the age of 59, from an apparent suicide in his California home. After his death, Turner scattered his ashes off the coast of California, sharing her grief with fans on social media.
Ronnie Renelle Turner
Born in October 1960, Ronnie was Turner’s youngest child and the only child she had with Ike Turner. He worked with his mother in the 1993 film ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It.’ Sadly, he died on December 8, 2018, at the age of 58, after a long battle with colon cancer. His wife, Afida Turner, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, mourning the loss of her husband.
Ike Turner Jr.
Tina adopted Ike Turner Jr. and his younger brother, Michael, after marrying their father. Born in 1958, Ike Jr. pursued a career in music like his parents, producing his father’s album, “Risin’ With The Blues,” which won a Grammy in 2016. In an interview with Dailymail in 2018, Ike Jr. revealed that he had not spoken to his mother in almost two decades, just like his brothers.
Michael Turner
Michael Turner is the youngest son of Ike Turner from his relationship with Lorraine Taylor. Not much is known about him, as he shies away from the public eye. A source close to the family claimed that Michael and his brothers, Ike Jr. and Ronnie, were “devastated” for being left out of the HBO Max documentary titled ‘Tina,’ about their mother’s life.
In conclusion, Tina Turner’s four sons went through some tragic losses in their lifetime, but they continue to keep the memory of their mother alive. Despite the estrangements and complicated family dynamics, Tina Turner’s legacy will continue to inspire many generations of musicians and music lovers worldwide.
