Hundreds gather for Ike Turner's funeral

Hundreds of mourners gathered for the funeral of soul legend Ike Turner on Friday.

The musician was laid to rest in California in a three-hour ceremony dubbed "part memorial service, part rock concert".

Turner's eight-piece band, the Kings of Rhythm, performed some of the hits he had enjoyed with ex-wife Tina Turner, including 'Nutbush City Limits' and 'Proud Mary'.

His daughter Mia said: "Daddy wouldn't want any of us crying. He would want us to throw a party."

Music producer Phil Spector paid tribute to his friend at the service, saying: "There was only one Ike, and I learned more from Ike than any professors I know."

Rock 'n' roll icon Little Richard described him as "one of the greatest musicians I have ever met in my life".

He added: "His massive hit 'Rocket 88' shook my soul. I took that same introduction and made 'Good Golly, Miss Molly'. I took that same thing and made a huge hit, thanks to him."

Turner died at his home near San Diego, California earlier this month at the age of 76.

His widow Jeanette later asked Tina to forgive him, claiming that he was "a good person".