A long ago visit from the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll”

Tina Turner’s passing on May 24, brought many locals to a story they remember or were told by an older relative. The day that Turner and her husband, Ike, visited Florence to perform at Rivi-Aire Park, hosting ballgames, picnics, and having a large dance hall.

Rivi-Aire Park was one of Pike County’s finest venues from the 1920s until its demolition in the 1960s. The bar was first opened by Jim Mitchell and Roy Griffin, before Jeff and Henrietta Jeffers assumed ownership. Today the Riverbank Bar and Grill stands on the same land where Rivi-Aire Park was located.

The uniqueness of the visit is one of the key features. At the time of their visit, which is believed to be dated to the late 1950s or early 1960s, rock ‘n’ roll had yet to catch on in Pike County.

When Ike and Tina made their stop, it was in between shows in Springfield and Hannibal.

Even though Rivi-Aire Park was not a world-famous venue, it was no stranger to hosting popular musicians. Some of the musicians that had played there before included Harry Busse, a German jazz trumpeter; Tiny Hill, one of America’s most famous bandleaders; and Eddy Howard, one the most popular singers of the 1940s and 1950s.

The performance was not done alone by Ike and Tina, as their band performed with them. One of the members of his band was Joseph Miller, born in Pittsfield, who would go onto become one of America’s finest saxophone players of that era. As the Turner’s grew in popularity, Miller remained a key piece of the band. Even sitting next to Ike in an interview on the Johnny Carson Show in 1970.

Finding the proper time of the day for the Turner’s to play was another key component. And so, it was decided that the middle of the afternoon on a Sunday would be the best time. This allowed people who were present for ballgames and other events, as well as people getting off the river to see the concert.

Ike and Tina rose to stardom in the early 1960s, showing their visit to Rivi-Aire Park was during their ascent. Many of the attendees, likely had no idea they were watching two of the most influential musicians in American history.

Eventually the couple separated, both then embarking on solo careers, with Tina gaining more fame as a solo artist.

Many questions will forever remain unanswered about the Turner’s visit to Florence. It’s still nice to sit back and enjoy the thought that America’s greatest husband and wife musical partnership, once made a stop in Pike County, Illinois.

Ocean Trail Park which would become Rivi-Aire Park once the Jeffers assumed ownership. Inside is where Ike and Tina Turner’s band performed. Courtesy of Lisa Ruble.