Medical Examiner: Ike Turner Died of a Cocaine Overdose

Ike Turner's death on December 12th of last year has been ruled "a cocaine overdose," according to the San Diego County Medical Examiner's office. "We are listing that he abused cocaine, and that's what resulted in the cocaine toxicity," said Paul Parker, the office's chief investigator. Hypertensive cardiovascular disease and pulmonary emphysema are also being listed as "significant and contributing factors" to Turner's death. Turner battled emphysema throughout his final years, but didn't allow it to stop him from making music and touring. To read Rolling Stone's obituary for the legendary musician, click here.

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Song Stories

“Is It True”

Brenda Lee | 1964

As the British Invasion reached its peak in 1964, Brenda Lee went from Nashville to London to record one of her hardest-rocking hits, her perky vocal backed by a stuttering, squalling guitar. That guitar was played by session musician Jimmy Page, yet to skyrocket to fame with first the Yardbirds and then Led Zeppelin. "She said to me, 'I've come here to make a record with the British sound,'" remembered producer Mickie Most. "She felt she wouldn't get the same sound in Nashville because they're only just catching up on the British beat group sound of about six months ago."

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