Boasting one of the longest careers in rock history, Turner became a household name with her iconic hair, sparkling mini dresses and raspy voice.
US singer Tina Turner. Picture: AFP
JOHANNESBURG – Rock ‘n’ Roll enthusiasts and fans across the world are mourning the passing of rock legend and superstar Tina Tuner.
The dynamic rock and soul singer who rose from humble beginnings and overcame a notoriously abusive marriage to become one of the most popular female artists of all time, passed away on Wednesday night at the age of 83.
She died peacefully after a long illness in her home near Zurich, in Switzerland.
Boasting one of the longest careers in rock history, turner become a household name with her iconic hair, sparkling mini dresses and raspy voice.
Eyewitness news looks at the life and times of the trailblazing black rocker whose powerful voice and imposing stage presence thrilled global audiences for decades.
Turner had a voice like a hurricane and the stage presence to match.
Born Anna Mae Bullock in November 1939 in the town of Nutbush, in Tennessee, Turner began singing in a baptist church choir.
Despite being a riveting live performer, the early years of her career were marred by her tumultuous marriage to musical partner Ike Turner, who subjected her to brutal acts of physical and psychological abuse.
She divorced him in 1978, where she fought bitterly for the rights to her stage name.
Striking out on her own as a solo artist in the 1980’s turner reinvented herself and scored hits like “What’s Love Got to Do With It”, “Private Dancer,” and “We Don’t Need Another Hero”.
She earned numerous Grammy Awards and eventually sold more than 100 million records worldwide – making her a star for a whole new generation – and a global icon.
Turner affirmed and amplified black women’s stake in Rock ‘n’ Roll, defining that era of music to the extent that rolling stones front man Mick Jagger admitted to taking inspiration from her high-kicking, energetic live performances for his stage persona.
Dubbed “the queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll” – Turner will be remembered for her spiky wigs, short skirts and famously long legs.
Tina Turner was raw. She was powerful. She was unstoppable. And she was unapologetically herself—speaking and singing her truth through joy and pain; triumph and tragedy. Today we join fans around the world in honoring the Queen of Rock and Roll, and a star whose light will never… pic.twitter.com/qXl2quZz1c
‘ Barack Obama (@BarackObama) May 24, 2023
RIP Queen/Pop of Rock the Legendary Tina Turner 🕊️🕊️ pic.twitter.com/nSZIYNR8DL
‘ O.T.G (@365OTG) May 24, 2023
I am so upset to hear the news of the passing of Tina Turner. She has been a part of my life since I saw her perform when I was 17 yo. An outstanding singer and performer, who is sadly missed. RIP Queen pic.twitter.com/Q7EdOxnHKV
‘ Brian Taylor 🏴🏳️🌈 (@BrianTaylor009) May 24, 2023
“True and lasting happiness comes from having an unshakeable, hopeful spirit that can shine, no matter what” – Tina Turner
RIP Queen 👑 pic.twitter.com/Hn4SjlGXQp
‘ Masechaba Khumalo™️®️👑💕 (@MasechabaAfrica) May 24, 2023
