The Queen of Rock ‘N’ Roll, Tina Turner, has passed away at the age of 83. Her family released a statement announcing she “died peacefully…after a long illness in her home in Küsnacht near Zurich, Switzerland.” Her publicist, Bernard Doherty, also released a statement adding, “With her, the world loses a music legend and a role model.”

Tina Turner’s Early Years

Born Anna Mae Bullock on Nov. 26, 1939, in rural Nutbush, Tennessee. She was the youngest child. Tina Turner’s mother, Zelma Bullock (née Currie), was a factory worker. Her father, Floyd Richard Bullock, was a Baptist deacon, factory worker, and farm overseer.

The Queen of Rock ‘N’ Roll attended Flag Grove School in Haywood County, Tennessee. In 1889, her great-great uncle sold the land to the school trustees for below-market value.

At an early age, Tina Turner was left to be raised by her grandmother, as her parents and older sister, Alline (Ruby), moved to St. Louis, Missouri. Following her grandmother’s death, the now-teenager moved to St. Louis to be with her mother and sister. Once there, she attended Sumner High School.

Career Starters

Prior to her music career, Tina Turner worked as a home health and nurse’s aide at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. During this time, her sister took her to various nightclubs in the city. One night while at Club Imperial, the soon-to-be star met Mississippi-born rhythm and blues musician Ike Turner.

Eventually, she asked if she could sing for him. Initially, Turner was skeptical. However, her persistence paid off, and he allowed her to perform. At the age of 18, she became an occasional vocalist who went by the name “Little Ann.” Additionally, she “became the spotlight of a soul revue led by Ike Turner and his Kings of Rhythm band,” according to the Tina Turner website.

Luck Is in the Stars

Tina TurnerIn 1960, the young Tina Turner got her big break when a vocalist scheduled to sing “A Fool in Love” didn’t appear. The aspiring star stepped in and recorded the vocals. “A Fool in Love” became a huge R&B hit, reaching the number two slot across the nation. The song quickly crossed over to the top 30 of the U.S. pop chart.

It was at this time that Ike changed her name to Tina Turner. In addition, he changed the name of his band to The Ike $ Tina Turner Revue. They married in 1962 in Tijuana, Mexico.

The pair rose to stardom throughout the 1960s and 70s. Tina Turner developed her unique stage persona with the changing times and musical styles. She kept her fans thrilled at every performance. The intricate and electrifying dance routines of Tina and the Ikettes (the revue’s backup singers) inspired other artists like Mick Jagger.

Notable Mentions

Ike and Tina Turner recorded numerous hit songs. Including, “It’s Gonna Work Out Fine,” “I Idolize You,” “Honky Tonk Woman,” “Proud Mary” and “Nutbush City Limits.” Cher, Sly Stone, Janis Joplin, David Bowie, Ray Charles, James Brown, Elton John, Elvis Presley, and the Rolling Stones highly praised the pair.

The duo could go from singing at a small, predominantly Black supper club to an appearance on national TV or a major venue in Las Vegas in the same week.

Ike Turner did a wonderful job as the group’s musical director and manager. He made all the decisions and ruled the Revue “with an iron fist.” Then, Ike Turner’s drug addiction took a toll on his ability to properly manage the group. Eventually, his tyrannical reign often became violent, causing group members to come and go. Later, Tina Turner admitted he physically abused her and caused her to be isolated.

Tina Turner’s Solo Career

In 1976, Tina Turner fled from her abusive relationship after a violent fight before an appearance at the Dallas Statler Hilton. She spent a few months in hiding before discovering she was liable for the group’s canceled tour. Tina Turner turned to solo performances to pay back the tour promoters.

She became a successful artist with such hits as, “Let’s Stay Together,” “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “Private Dancer,” and “We Don’t Need Another Hero.” Tina Turner starred in “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome,” alongside Mel Gibson in 1985.

Remembering the Iconic Rock Queen

Once news of her death came out, stars, friends, and fans turned to social media, recalling fond memories of Tina Turner. Singer/actress Sheryl Lee Ralph called her “an icon, a queen, a dynamic, electrifying performer.”

Debbie Allen — actress, choreographer, and dancer — stated the Queen of Rock ‘N’ Roll’s hit song “Proud Mary” was “an anthem for young Black women.”

Bryan Adams tweeted, “RIP my dear @tinaturner I’ll be forever grateful for you bringing me on tour, going in the studio together and most of all, being your friend. Thank you for being the inspiration to millions of people around the world for speaking your truth and giving us the gift of your unbelievable voice. My condolences to Erwin and your family. It’s Only Love…and that’s all.”

Yoko Ono posted on Twitter, “Rest in Peace, @TinaTurner. This is an amazing performance by Tina and she really sings it from the heart. Good for you, Tina! John would have loved your performance – it is so powerful. love, yoko.”

Her Swiss neighbors placed flowers outside of her home in Kuesnacht, Switzerland in tribute to the iconic rocker. She is survived by her family, friends, and loved ones. May she rest in peace.

By Sheena Robertson

Sources:

CNN: Tina Turner dies at 83
Tina Turner: Biography
NBC News: Tina Turner, trailblazing ‘Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll’ who dazzled audiences worldwide, dies at 83

Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Philip Spittle‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Scarlet Sappho‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License

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