IKE TURNER - MAYOR REJECTS IKE TURNER HONOUR

The mayor of St. Louis, Missouri has rejected a request to honour IKE TURNER with his own day on 2 September (07). Turner is set to perform at the Big Muddy Blues Festival in the city and the event’s organisers decided to honour the singer/songwriter by naming 2 September Ike Turner Day. However, St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay has turned down the application, and has declined to mention the reason behind his decision. Some reports have speculated Turner’s admittance to slapping and punching ex-wife Tina Turner may have contributed to the refusal. Festival organiser Dawne Massey says, “He helped put St. Louis rhythm and blues on the map. “We were only looking to celebrate his contributions to the music industry. Many entertainers have a chequered past.” A spokesman for Turner says, “People are living in the past. They don’t know the man I know. This ain’t 1962.”