Alline Bullock facts for kids

Alline Bullock (born December 1, 1936 – died September 4, 2010) was an American songwriter. She was the older sister of the famous singer Tina Turner. Alline also briefly managed the girl group the Ikettes. She wrote songs for Ike & Tina Turner and their band, the Kings of Rhythm. One of her most famous songs is "Funkier Than a Mosquita's Tweeter", which was later sung by Nina Simone.

Alline's Early Life

Ruby Alline Bullock was born on December 1, 1936. She was the second child of Zelma Priscilla and Floyd Richard Bullock. She had an older half-sister, Evelyn, and a younger sister, Anna Mae Bullock. Their family lived in Nutbush, Tennessee. Her father worked on a farm there.

During World War II, Alline's parents moved away for work. She stayed with her grandparents. After the war, Alline and her sisters reunited with their parents in Knoxville, Tennessee. Soon after, they moved back to Haywood County, Tennessee. Alline went to Flagg Grove Elementary School.

In 1950, her mother moved to St. Louis, Missouri. Her father remarried and moved to Detroit, Michigan. Alline and her sisters then lived with their grandmother Georgeanna in Brownsville, Tennessee. Sadly, her half-sister Evelyn died in a car accident as a teenager. After finishing high school, Alline moved to Detroit for a short time. Then she joined her mother in St. Louis.

Music Career and Family

In 1956, Alline's grandmother passed away. Her sister Anna Mae (who would become Tina Turner) came to live with them in St. Louis. Alline introduced Anna Mae to the exciting club scene in St. Louis and nearby East St. Louis, Illinois.

Alline worked as a barmaid at the Manhattan Club. The band playing there was Ike Turner and his Kings of Rhythm. Ike's band was very popular in the area. In 1957, Alline's boyfriend, who was the band's drummer, gave Anna Mae a chance to sing during a break. Anna Mae joined the band as a singer named Little Ann.

In 1960, Ike Turner changed Little Ann's name to Tina Turner. He formed the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. They had many hit songs like "A Fool in Love" (1960). Alline later moved to Los Angeles. She helped take care of Ike and Tina's four sons while they were on tour. She also worked behind the scenes for the Ike & Tina Turner organization.

Alline briefly managed the Ikettes, a group of backup singers. However, Ike did not let them use the name "Ikettes" after they left his show. They then became known as the Mirettes.

As a songwriter, Alline wrote songs for Ike & Tina Turner. Her most famous song was "Funkier Than a Mosquita's Tweeter". This song was on their album Workin' Together (1970). Many artists, including Nina Simone, later sang this song. Alline also wrote three songs for the 1972 album Strange Fruit by Family Vibes (who used to be the Kings of Rhythm).

Later Years

After her sister Tina divorced Ike in 1978, Alline still saw Ike as family. She even went to his funeral in 2007. She told Ebony magazine in 2008 that Ike was a generous person. She felt he wanted to be forgiven for his past actions. By then, Alline was using the last name Selico.

Alline Bullock passed away at age 73 in Valley Village, California, on September 4, 2010. She is survived by her daughter, Jacquline Bullock, and her grandchildren.

Songwriting Credits

Here are some of the songs Alline Bullock wrote or co-wrote:

• 1970: Ike Turner – "Love Is a Game"
• 1970: Ike & Tina Turner – "Funkier Than a Mosquita's Tweeter"
• 1971: Ike & Tina Turner – "Baby (What You Want Me to Do)"
• 1971: Ike & Tina Turner – "Pick Me Up (Take Me Where Your Home Is)"
• 1972: The Family Vibes – "Happy but Lonely"
• 1972: The Family Vibes – "Bootie Lip"
• 1972: The Family Vibes – "D.M.Z."
• 1974: Nina Simone – "Funkier Than a Mosquito's Tweeter"
• 2005: Nikka Costa – "Funkier Than a Mosquito's Tweeter"
• 2009: Joe Bonamassa – "Funkier Than a Mosquito's Tweeter"
• 2011: Kara Grainger – "Babe What You Want Me to Do"
• 2012: Morgan James – "Funkier Than a Mosquito's Tweeter"
• 2016: Cherrill Rae – "Funkier Than a Mosquita's Tweeter"