Rhythm and blues pioneer Ike Turner, who died today at age 76 at his home outside San Diego, will be largely remembered as the abusive husband of soul queen Tina Turner, rather than for his significant contribution to music.

As leader of the Kings of Rhythm, a St. Louis-based road band that toured the South and Midwest throughout the late ’40s and early ’50s, Mr. Turner presided over the 1951 recording of “Rocket 88″ by Jackie Brenston, a singer in his band, which is frequently cited as the first rock ‘n’ roll record.

Mr. Turner also recorded as a sideman on many key early R&B records, including the first recording sessions by bluesmen Howlin’ Wolf and B.B. King, while working as talent scout for Memphis record producer Sam Phillips, later founder of Sun Records and the man who first recorded Elvis Presley.

His musical accomplishments were overshadowed by his drug and alcohol addiction and legal troubles. In fact he missed his own induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991 because he was in prison on drug charges.

His image in later years was largely shaped by Lawrence Fishbourne’s menacing portrayal of his character in the film adaptation of Tina’s autobiography, “What’s Love Got To Do With It.”

Ike Turner said he had cleaned himself up from drugs and alcohol when he got out of prison for the last time in 1993.

He remained active in music until very recently, and won a “best traditional blues” Grammy earlier this year for his CD “Risin’ With the Blues.”