Renowned singer Tina Turner, whose soulful classics and pop anthems like “The Best” and “What’s Love Got to Do With It” catapulted her to superstardom, has passed away at the age of 83.
In recent years, Turner battled various health issues, including cancer, a stroke, and kidney failure.
She rose to fame alongside her husband Ike in the 1960s with chart-topping hits such as “Proud Mary” and “River Deep, Mountain High.”
Following her divorce from Ike due to his abusive behavior in 1978, Turner achieved even greater success as a solo artist during the 1980s.
Known as the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner captivated audiences with her energetic stage performances and distinctive, powerful vocals.
News of her passing was announced on her official Instagram page, where a heartfelt tribute expressed how she enchanted millions of fans worldwide with her music and passion for life. Her immense body of work will continue to inspire future generations of artists.
Turner’s illustrious career was marked by eight Grammy Awards, and she was inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2021 as a solo artist, following her initial induction alongside Ike Turner in 1991.
Her solo induction was accompanied by recognition from the Hall of Fame for breaking boundaries and expanding the limited perceptions of how a Black woman could command a stage, becoming both a powerhouse performer and a multidimensional icon.
The influence of Tina Turner’s trailblazing artistry has extended to younger stars such as Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, Janelle Monae, and Rihanna.
Roger Davies, Turner’s manager for three decades, described her as a unique and remarkable force of nature, highlighting her strength, incredible energy, and immense talent. He reminisced about their initial meeting in 1980 when she wholeheartedly believed in herself, even when few others did, and expressed his deep sorrow at her passing.
Numerous tributes poured in from the music industry and beyond. American singer Gloria Gaynor acknowledged Turner’s role in paving the way for women in rock music, irrespective of race. Supermodel Naomi Campbell, basketball legend Magic Johnson, and singers Kelly Rowland and Ciara also paid their respects.
Mick Jagger, the frontman of The Rolling Stones, shared his memories of Turner, describing her as inspiring, warm, funny, and generous. He expressed gratitude for her guidance during his early career.
Born into a sharecropping family in Tennessee, Turner first gained attention as a backup singer for Ike Turner’s band, The Kings of Rhythm. She later took center stage and achieved commercial success with songs like “Fool in Love” and “It’s Gonna Work Out Fine” in the early ’60s.
Despite the success, Turner endured years of physical and emotional abuse from Ike. After liberating herself from the toxic relationship, she rebuilt her career and became one of the biggest pop and rock stars of the ’80s and ’90s. Her chart-topping hits included “Let’s Stay Together,” “Steamy Windows,” “Private Dancer,” and a memorable James Bond theme, “GoldenEye.”
Turner’s life journey was the subject of a 1993 biopic, “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” starring Angela Bassett, and an acclaimed stage musical titled “Tina: The Musical.” In 2021, an HBO documentary called “Tina” further celebrated her remarkable life.
Tina Turner, an indomitable spirit, believed that life was a wonderful journey despite its challenges. Her extraordinary talent and resilience will continue to resonate through her music, ensuring her legacy lives on.
