The world of music has lost a legend. Tina Turner, the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll”, passed away today at the age of 83 after a long illness in her home in Kusnacht near Zurich, Switzerland. She was one of the best-loved female rock singers, known for her on-stage charisma and a string of hits including “The Best”, “Proud Mary”, “Private Dancer” and “What’s Love Got to Do With It”.
Tina Turner was born Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939, in Brownsville, Tennessee. She began her career with Ike Turner’s Kings of Rhythm in 1957 and debuted as Tina Turner with the hit duet single “A Fool in Love” in 1960. The duo Ike & Tina Turner became “one of the most formidable live acts in history” and released classics such as “It’s Gonna Work Out Fine”, “River Deep – Mountain High”, and “Nutbush City Limits” before disbanding in 1976.
In the 1980s, Tina Turner launched “one of the greatest comebacks in music history” with her multi-platinum album Private Dancer, which won four Grammy Awards and contained her first and only number one song on the Billboard Hot 100, “What’s Love Got to Do With It”. She continued to chart success with songs like “Better Be Good to Me”, “We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)”, “Typical Male”, and “The Best”. She also acted in films such as Tommy, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, and Last Action Hero. In 1993, a biographical film based on her autobiography I, Tina: My Life Story was released, starring Angela Bassett as Tina Turner.
Tina Turner retired from performing in 2009 after completing her Tina!: 50th Anniversary Tour, which is the 15th highest-grossing tour of the 2000s. In 2018, she became the subject of the jukebox musical Tina. She sold over 100 million records worldwide and received 12 Grammy Awards, among many other honors. She was the first black artist and first woman to be on the cover of Rolling Stone and was ranked among the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time and the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time by the magazine.
Tina Turner was an inspiration to millions of fans around the world with her powerful voice, her time-tested beauty and her unforgettable story. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends and fans. Rest in peace, Tina Turner.
