If there is someone who lived by her own rules, it would be Tina Turner. While the first half of her legacy was plagued with heartache and pain, Turner would go on to triumph in the latter half of her life. It is why we celebrate and remember her for the pioneer and icon that she is.
Tina, born Anna Mae Bullock in Brownsville, Tennessee, on November 26, 1939, got her big break in 1957 when she began to perform with Ike Turner and his band, Kings of Rhythm.
Years with Ike
For nearly two decades, the two reigned as music royalty and would go on to become one of music’s iconic rock and roll duo. Once their professional relationship turned intimate, the relationship became controlling and abusive for Tina.
While her career blossomed as the lead singer, and her energetic and rumbustious performance style celebrated, her personal life continued to weight heavily on her mental, emotional, and physical well-being; something documented in Tina’s 1984 autobiographical film “What’s Love Got To Do With It.”
Solo Career
Following their difficult and tumultuous divorce from Ike in 1978, Tina would go on to have her own successful solo career, attaining her first and only number one single at 44 years old, with hit, “What’s Love Got To Do With It;” the single that coincided with the film by the same name.
“It is not in my nature to stay down for long. I’ve always found a way to get up again.”
– Tina Turner
In her latter years, Turner released a number of albums, toured, and added acting to her resume.
Having sold over 100 million records worldwide, Turn is renown to be one of the best-selling recording artist and entertainers of our generation. She’s also the recipient of twelve Grammy Awards among a long list of other accolades.
The legend passed away today, May 24, 2023, at the age of 83 after battling a long illness. May she rest in peace.
“Never give up! You can make the impossible possible and fulfill your dreams to be happy.”
– Tina Turner
