By ELLIOT SPAGAT, Associated Press Writer Thu Dec 13, 4:51 AM ET SAN DIEGO - Ike Turner managed to rehabilitate his image somewhat in the past few years, touring around the globe and drawing acclaim that included his first solo Grammy earlier this year. Turner, known with his ex-wife for such songs as “River Deep, Mountain High” and “Proud Mary,” died Wednesday at his suburban home. No cause of death was immediately given. “I know what I am in my heart.

And I know regardless of what I ve done, good and bad, it took it all to make me what I am today,” he once told The Associated Press. Ike Turner was hauntingly portrayed by Laurence Fishburne in the movie “What s Love Got To Do With It,” based on Tina Turner s autobiography.

“You can go ask Snoop Dogg or Eminem, you can ask the Rolling Stones or (Eric) Clapton, or you can ask anybody anybody, they all know my contribution to music, but it hasn t been in print about what I ve done or what I ve contributed until now,” he said. “I see Ike Turner in the company of James Brown and Count Basie as being supremely gifted band leaders, and I say that with no sense of exaggeration,” said Tom “Papa” Ray, who co-owns an independent music store in St.

Louis and for 20 years has hosted a local blues and soul radio show. Tina Turner declined to comment on her ex-husband s death. The pair, who had two sons, produced a string of hits with Ike Turner on guitar or piano. The first, “A Fool In Love,” was a top R B song in 1959. Others included “I Idolize You” and “It s Gonna Work Out Fine.” Their densely layered hit “River Deep, Mountain High” was one of producer Phil Spector s proudest creations.