Simply The Best

Tina Turner was more than the Queen of Rock & Roll. A survivor and inimitable performer, she inspired countless people across the world with her raw talent and limitless resilience. 

The light that shines on the entertainment industry is a bit dimmer today in the wake of Tina Turner’s passing. Known in every corner of the world as the Queen of Rock & Roll — and indisputably one of the most acclaimed and beloved entertainers in the history of popular music — Turner died May 24 at age 83. 

The success she fought for in both her personal and professional lives always burned brighter than the adversity she famously overcame in an abusive relationship that once threatened to overshadow an amazing career. And her ability to turn dark moments into once-unimaginable and now-undeniably historic triumph made her a shero for teaching us the value of preserving one’s name and dignity — even at the risk of losing it all. 

The seven-time Grammy winner rose to fame in the 1960s with her then-husband, Ike Turner. And she later enjoyed an international solo career defined by such hits as “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” “Private Dancer,” “We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome),” “The Best,” and “I Don’t Wanna Fight” — to name just a few. Turner’s ability to maintain and evolve serves as an inspiration for all people to dig deep and find the Tina Turner within — by never giving up and living life to the fullest. 

Tina began performing with young musician Ike Turner in the 1950s, and the pair later became known as the Ike and Tina Turner Revue. They reached popular acclaim for their live performances and recordings — like the top five hit, “Proud Mary.” Tina and Ike later married, and she divorced him in the 1970s after years of physical and emotional abuse. Her courage inspired women worldwide during her very public divorce, when she declared, “I don’t want anything. I just want to keep my name, Tina Turner.” 

Born Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939 in Nutbush, Tennessee, Turner was given her professional name by Ike Turner. In 2013, she told Oprah Winfrey that Ike patented her name as a form of domestic control. Nonetheless, Tina was given ownership of the name under the terms of their divorce. 

Tina Turner’s solo career finally gained steam when she remade Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together.” Her album “Private Dancer” was soon to follow, and it was a tremendous hit — winning four Grammy Awards and selling more than 20 million copies worldwide. 

In 1991, Ike and Tina Turner were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Ike was unable to attend the ceremony, however, as he was serving time for drug possession; he eventually died of drug-related causes in 2007. 

We all remember the 1993 film “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” starring Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne. The movie was adapted from the autobiography, “I, Tina.” 

In 2013, Tina Turner married German record executive Erwin Bach and moved to Zurich, Switzerland. She received her Swiss citizenship, but also kept ownership of homes in the United States, where her business remained largely based. 

“Tina: The Tina Turner Musical,” opened on Broadway on November 7, 2019 in New York City. In 2021, Turner was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame again — this time as a solo artist. 

---

Say The Word

Tina Turner’s words inspired people everywhere. Here’s a selection of quotes that won’t be found in the liner notes to her smash hit albums. 

“I always had long legs. When I was young, I used to think, ‘Why do I look like a little pony?’” 

“Why did I fall so deeply in love? I think when you haven’t had that much love at home, and then you find someone you love, everything comes out.” 

“I came into this lifetime with a job to finish. I finished it well. I’ve been told many reasons for why I lived through what I did. But I have never felt that I deserved it.” 

“For anyone who’s in an abusive relationship, I say this: ‘Go! Nothing can be worse than where you are now. You have to take care of yourself first — and then you take care of your children. They will understand later.’” 

“I believe all religion is about touching something inside of yourself. It’s all one thing. If we would realize this, we could make a change in this millennium.” 

“Material things make me happy, but I am already happy before I acquire these things.” 

“I believe that if you’ll just stand up and go, life will open up for you.”