Tina Turner, the iconic singer whose soul classics and pop hits like “The Best” and “What’s Love Got to Do With It” propelled her to superstardom, has passed away at the age of 83. Throughout her life, Turner faced numerous health challenges, including cancer, a stroke, and kidney failure.
In the 1960s, she rose to fame alongside her husband Ike, captivating audiences with unforgettable songs like “Proud Mary” and “River Deep, Mountain High.” Despite the duo’s commercial success, Turner endured a tumultuous relationship marred by abuse. Courageously, she ended the abusive marriage in 1978 and embarked on an extraordinary solo career in the 1980s, achieving even greater success.
Dubbed the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner was renowned for her electrifying stage performances, exuding both sensuality and energy, combined with her distinctive husky and powerful vocals. Her remarkable talent earned her 12 Grammy Awards and a solo induction into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2021, following her initial induction alongside Ike in 1991.
The Hall of Fame acknowledged Turner’s groundbreaking impact, stating that she “expanded the once-limited idea of how a Black woman could conquer a stage and be both a powerhouse and a multidimensional being.”
Tina Turner’s influence extended far beyond her era, inspiring a new generation of artists including Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, Janelle Monae, and Rihanna. Born into a sharecropping family in Tennessee, she initially gained recognition as a backing singer for her husband’s band, The Kings of Rhythm. Eventually, she took center stage and, in the early 1960s, achieved chart success with hits like “Fool in Love” and “It’s Gonna Work Out Fine.”
Despite the early accomplishments, Ike’s abusive behavior took its toll on Tina, leading to a traumatic and controlling relationship. In her 2018 memoir, “My Love Story,” she bravely recounted the horrors she endured, describing her sexual encounters with Ike as “a kind of rape.” The physical abuse she suffered at his hands, including the use of her nose as a “punching bag,” scarred her deeply.
However, Tina Turner’s indomitable spirit allowed her to escape the abusive situation and rebuild her career as one of the most prominent pop and rock stars of the 1980s and 1990s. Her chart-topping hits, including “Let’s Stay Together,” “Steamy Windows,” “Private Dancer,” and the James Bond theme “GoldenEye,” solidified her status as a musical powerhouse. Collaborations such as “I Don’t Wanna Fight” and “It Takes Two” further showcased her versatility, with the latter being a duet with Rod Stewart.
Beyond her musical achievements, Turner showcased her talent on the big screen, starring in the 1985 film “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome,” which featured the hit “We Don’t Need Another Hero.” Additionally, she left a lasting impression with her portrayal of the Acid Queen in The Who’s 1975 rock opera “Tommy.”
Finding solace and happiness in her personal life, Turner married German music executive Erwin Bach in 2013 after a long courtship. They resided in Switzerland, where Turner obtained Swiss citizenship. In a profound display of love and support, Bach donated one of his kidneys to her in 2017 when she faced kidney failure.
Tragedy struck Turner’s life with the devastating loss of her eldest son, Craig, to suicide in 2018. Craig’s father was Raymond Hill, Turner’s former bandmate. She also mourned the loss of her son Ronnie in 2022, whose father was Ike Turner. Alongside her biological children, Turner had two adopted sons, Ike Jr. and Michael, from Ike’s previous relationship.
Tina Turner’s extraordinary life story captivated audiences, leading to a 1993 biopic titled “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” where Angela Bassett’s portrayal earned her an Oscar nomination. Her journey also inspired a successful stage musical aptly named “Tina: The Musical.” In 2021, HBO released a documentary titled “Tina,” delving deeper into the artist’s life and legacy.
In a 2018 interview with Marie Claire South Africa, Turner shared her perspective on life’s challenges, stating, “People think my life has been tough, but I think it’s been a wonderful journey. The older you get, the more you realize it’s not what happened, it’s how you deal with it.”
As we bid farewell to the legendary Tina Turner, let us remember her as an indomitable spirit who overcame immense adversity, reshaped the boundaries of performance, and left an indelible mark on the world of music. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, as her voice and spirit live on through her timeless music.
