Music fans were hit with devastating news this week. Tina Turner, hailed as the “Queen of Rock n’ Roll,” has passed away this week at the age of 83.
On Wednesday, May 24th, Turner’s official Instagram page announced her death with a tribute post, stating the following, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tina Turner. With her music and her boundless passion for life, she enchanted millions of fans around the world and inspired the stars of tomorrow. Today we say goodbye to a dear friend who leaves us all her greatest work: her music. All our heartfelt compassion goes out to her family. Tina, we will miss you dearly.”
The two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and 12-time Grammy winning artist passed away peacefully in her home near Zurich, Switzerland after publicly battling several health issues, including intestinal cancer, a stroke, and kidney failure.
Born Anna Mae Bullock in Nutbush, Tennessee in 1939 to a poor family, her parents split and she was raised by her grandmother. Turner spent her teenage years immersing herself in the music scene, mainly performing at Club Manhattan, where she eventually met Ike Turner in the 50s. Together, they became known as the Ike and Tina Turner Revue, performing together for nearly 15 years and achieving great hits such as “River Deep – Mountain High” and “Proud Mary.” In 1969, they also toured as the opening act for The Rolling Stones. The couple got married in 1962, but the relationship was tumultuous, leading to Turner slowly building her solo career after she disbanded in 1976 from Ike’s constant, violent abuse. This inspired her iconic comeback during the 80s with the release of her album Private Dancer, exploding her back into the music industry with hits like “What’s Love Got to Do with It.”
Turner embarked on her solo journey during the late 70s amidst the sexist and racist industry that she was determined to prove wrong. She was the first female black artist to be on the cover of Rolling Stones and in 1975, she played the role of “Acid Queen” in the award winning musical film Tommy. In 1981, an interview with People Magazine marked the first time Turner ever openly discussed her abusive relationship with Ike Turner.
In 1986, Turner published the powerful autobiography, I, Tina, where she extensively described the abuse she suffered during her 16-year marriage with Ike. Since then, Turner not only became one of the most valued musicians of her time, but she also created a much-needed platform for saving survivors of domestic abuse.
Over the years, Turner had been candid about her battle with mental health issues, which included a suicide attempt in 1968. She was also transparent about her struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the abusive marriage. In recent years, along with her health issues, she hd faced even more tragedy, including the deaths of two of her four sons in 2018 and 2022. In 2021, Turner bid her final farewell to her fans with the release of HBO’s documentary TINA, where she vulnerably explores her life, recounting her harrowing past, and entering a more quiet chapter of her life.
With her strong voice and fierce attitude, Turner created a long-lasting legacy for herself as a musical heroine, winning awards like the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and a Guinness World Record Award for the largest paying audience during her 1988 tour. Turner has inspired millions through her extravagant life and numerous talents, and she will forever be recognized as one of the world’s most loved and cherished musicians. To honor and remember her legendary reputation and vitality, here are ten of our favorite Tina Turner songs to play on repeat to bid her a loving farewell.
“All I Can Do Is Cry”
“Proud Mary”
“Private Dancer”
“What’s Love Got to Do with It”
“We Don’t Need Another Hero”
“Typical Male”
“The Best”
“I Don’t Wanna Lose You”
“I Don’t Wanna Fight”
“It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll (But I Like It)” feat. Lisa Fischer
No one can deny that Tina Turner established one of the most powerful and inspiring legacies in not only the music industry, but across the world. It’s hard to say goodbye to the “Queen of Rock n’ Roll”, but her music and story will further live on as we cherish all of her accomplishments.
