Tina Turner, known as the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll for her blistering performances and powerfully gritty vocals, died today after a long illness at her home.
Tina Turner, known as the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, passed away at the age of 83 in her home in Küsnacht, Switzerland, leaving a lasting mark on music history with her powerful voice and relentless energy.
Born as Anna Mae Bullock in Tennessee in 1939, Turner began singing by performing hymns in church choirs. After working as a caregiver and nurse for a while, her fate changed when she met Ike Turner. She started performing with Ike Turner’s band, the “Kings of Rhythm.”
In 1960, she made a name for herself with the song “A Fool in Love.” She married Ike Turner in 1962. As her stage talent became more noticeable, Ike changed her name to Tina without her knowledge. This was the first step towards the violence and oppression that would often be the subject of their marriage.
In her 2018 autobiography, “My Love Story,” Tina Turner wrote, “My relationship with Ike was destroyed the day he realized I would become someone who made him money.”
Ike and Tina made waves on the charts with songs like “River Deep-Mountain High” and “Proud Mary.”
Ike and Tina divorced in 1978. After the 1980s, Tina continued her career as a solo artist, gaining fame for her fiery and energetic performances, powerful and fierce vocals. She produced hits such as “The Best,” “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” “Let’s Stay Together,” “Steamy Windows,” “Private Dancer,” “Goldeneye,” “I Don’t Wanna Fight,” and “It Takes Two,” becoming one of the biggest pop and rock stars of the time.
In 1985, Tina Turner gained worldwide fame by performing a duet with Mick Jagger on the grand charity concert “Live Aid.” Her concert in Rio in 1986 was witnessed by a staggering 186,000 people, setting a record for the highest attendance at a solo concert.
After a successful and illustrious career, Tina Turner announced her retirement from the stage in 2000. However, she made a comeback in 2008, performing with Beyoncé at the Grammy Awards and embarking on a special tour to commemorate her 50-year career.
Throughout her career, Tina Turner won eight Grammy Awards. In 2021, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist.
Regarding her induction as a solo artist, the Hall of Fame stated, “It grew the idea that a Black woman could conquer the stage and be a powerful, multidimensional presence.” Turner, with her unique style, had also influenced the musical sensibilities of artists such as Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, Janelle Monae, and Rihanna.
She did not remain silent against domestic violence
Despite her challenging and tragic life, Tina Turner held onto life with strength, just like her voice, and left behind a rich legacy that will be passed down through generations.
After divorcing her husband Ike in 1978, citing physical and emotional abuse, Turner bravely spoke out about the violence she endured during their marriage. According to Tina’s account, Ike did not hesitate to resort to violence even when she was pregnant. Unable to bear the abuse, Tina had even attempted suicide on multiple occasions.
“When I left, I was living a life of death,” she told People in 1981. “I didn’t exist. I didn’t fear him killing me when I left, because I was already dead. When I walked out, I didn’t look back.” Ike Turner, who passed away in 2007, consistently denied these allegations.
In her 2018 book “My Love Story,” Tina Turner likened her marriage to Ike Turner to a “rape”: “He used my nose so many times as a punching bag that I could taste the blood running down my throat while I was singing.”
In 2013, when Oprah Winfrey asked her what kind of legacy she wanted to leave behind, Turner responded, “Resilience.”
“I never veered from my path,” she said. “I had a belief inside me that told me things could be better. The legacy I want to leave behind is the effort to strive for something better and achieve it.”