The Recording Academy's Heroes Award celebrated legends in the music industry, acknowledging those artists who have made a lasting impact to the world of music and popular culture. In 2004, Ike Turner was honored at a ceremony in Memphis, including live performances of the award winners.
„This is totally unexpected, I didn’t expect any of this. I thought I was just coming to Memphis to do a couple of songs tonight.“ — Ike Turner
Ike took the stage, but not after shedding a few tears upon receiving his award from two of his friends and peers, Little Milton and Knox Phillips. Turner performed his breakout hit Rocket 88, a tribute to the Oldsmobile, which featured Little Milton on vocals, and the electrifying soul chart-topper Proud Mary. The ceremony is featured as a bonus on the home video Live In Concert.
Recording Academy chapters have previously honored B. B. King, James Brown, Ray Charles, Tony Bennett, Dionne Warwick and Tom Dowd, among others.
Date: April 13, 2004
Location: Center for the Performing Arts, Memphis (USA)
Laudators: Little Milton, Knox Phillips