The memorial service Friday for rock 'n' roll pioneer Ike Turner was much like the life of the troubled star: rich in music and applause, defensive about the nature of his legacy and, for good or bad, most memorable for its moments of controversy.

Phil Spector, fabled record producer and recent celebrity defendant, decried Turner's defining public persona as the abusive former husband of Tina Turner, a reputation largely shaped by the 1993 film "What's Love Got To Do With It," which Spector called "that piece of trash movie that made up things about him." He also insisted, "Ike made Tina the jewel she was."

Spector also took potshots at Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg and Tina Turner, all of whom he said contributed to demonizing Turner, who died Dec. 12 at 76. [The Seattle Times]

DOWNLOAD: Ike & Tina Turner - Nutbush City Limits (MP3)

US musician Ike Turner, the former husband of Tina Turner, has died at the age of 76.
He died at his home near San Diego, California. There was no immediate word on the cause of death.

He rose to fame in the 1960s, and is best remembered for his musical partnership and stormy marriage with Tina Turner. He abused her, but somewhat rehabilitated his image in his later years, winning a Grammy in 2007. [BBC]