After soaring to fame in a turbulent musical partnership, Turner rose to global stardom as a solo artist, leaving an indelible mark on the 1980s pop music scene.
After a courageous battle against illness, renowned rock and roll singer Tina Turner has sadly passed away at the age of 83.
In recent years, her health has deteriorated; in 2016, she received a diagnosis of intestinal cancer, and the following year, she underwent a kidney transplant.
Turner validated and amplified the role of Black women in the evolution of rock ‘n’ roll, shaping the genre to such an extent that even Mick Jagger acknowledged drawing inspiration from her electrifying live performances characterized by high kicks and boundless energy.
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After breaking free from an abusive marriage with Ike Turner after two decades of collaboration, she embarked on a solo career, propelling herself to become one of the most influential pop singers of the 1980s with the release of her album “Private Dancer.”
Her remarkable life will be documented through three autobiographies, a biopic, a jukebox musical, and the highly acclaimed documentary “Tina.”
On Wednesday night, a spokesperson released the following statement: “Tina Turner, the ‘Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,’ peacefully passed away today at the age of 83 after a prolonged illness at her home in Kusnacht near Zurich, Switzerland. The world mourns the loss of a music legend and a role model.”
“Tina Turner’s musical persona always emanated a powerful combination of mystery, light, melancholy, and an unyielding vitality that often flirted with danger,” wrote scholar Daphne A. Brooks in a 2018 article for The Guardian.
Originally hailing from Nutbush, Tennessee, Turner was born Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939. She spent her childhood working in the cotton fields with her family.
As a teenager, she found her voice in the church choir of her small town and used her singing talents to secure a place in Ike’s band in St. Louis.
Initially rejected by Ike when she sought to join the band, he changed his mind upon witnessing her taking the microphone during a Kings of Rhythm performance of BB King’s “You Know I Love You.”
However, as Turner’s singing prowess began to shine, Ike bestowed upon her the stage name Tina Turner, even going so far as to copyright it to ensure her loyalty.
Early on, Turner experienced the volatile side of Ike’s personality and attempted to leave the group. In response, he became physically aggressive, striking her with a wooden shoe stretcher.
“My relationship with Ike was doomed the moment he realized I was going to be his moneymaker,” Turner wrote in her 2018 autobiography, “My Love Story.” “He needed to control me, both financially and psychologically, to prevent me from leaving him.”
In July 1960, she made her recording debut under the stage name with the Ike and Tina Turner single “A Fool in Love,” which achieved moderate success in the United States.
However, it was their electrifying live performances that catapulted them to stardom. Benefiting from their commercial success, Ike and Tina extensively toured the Chitlin’ Circuit, even performing in front of integrated audiences.
Their first charting album, “Live! The Ike & Tina Turner Show,” was released in 1964 after they signed with Warner Bros.’ Loma Records label.
In the latter half of the 1960s, numerous renowned rock musicians sought collaborations with the duo. They embarked on tours with the Rolling Stones in both the United Kingdom and the United States, recorded a song with Phil Spector in 1966 titled “River Deep – Mountain High,” and had guest appearances by the likes of David Bowie, Sly Stone, Cher, Elvis Presley, and Elton John during their Las Vegas residency.
While their success continued into the 1970s, winning Grammy Awards and topping the charts, Turner’s journey with Ike, marred by violence and infidelity, came to an end.
Her final collaboration with the Who was the song “Baby, Get It On,” featured in the 1975 film adaptation of the Who’s rock opera “Tommy,” where she portrayed the character Acid Queen, which also served as the title of her second solo album.
In their divorce, finalized in 1978, Turner emerged with only two cars and the rights to her stage name. Reflecting on that period, she expressed in the documentary “Tina,” “Ike fought a little bit because he knew what I would do with it.”
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