Ike Turner was one of the most influential and important figures in R&B and early rock & roll, with respect to composition, promotion, and performance. He gave Tina her name and helped make her a star, and is considered by many music journalists to be one of the main architects of the genre. This quintessential release compiles 30 sides from the early days of Ike Turner's long and prolific career. Fabulous black slices of 100% proto-rock & soul. Apart from a few well-known numbers like the classic 'Rocket 88', some of the material here isn't available in other collections, nor have these recordings ever been previously assembled together on one CD. These sensational tracks, taped between 1951 and 1960, were originally released on a variety of top labels like Chess, RPM, Modern, Sue, Flair, and Cobra, and feature Turner in a variety of settings: In Kings of Rhythm with Jackie Brenston on vocals, fronting a big band, in duet with Bonnie Turner or playing with Tina Turner, Bobby Bland, Junior Parker, Howlin' Wolf, Otis Rush, Willie Dixon, and many others. Soul Jam.