Tina Turner Dead at Age 83

Iconic singer Tina Turner, renowned for her powerhouse vocals, mesmerizing stage presence, and being hailed as the honorary “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” has passed away on Wednesday May 24, at the age of 83.

In a statement, Tina Turner’s family confirmed her passing. Stating, “Tina Turner, the ‘Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,’ has peacefully passed away today at the age of 83 after a long illness at her home in Küsnacht near Zurich, Switzerland. With her departure, the world loses a music legend and a role model.”

Born Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939, in Brownsville, Tennessee, Turner embarked on her powerful career in 1957, when she joined Ike Turner’s Kings of Rhythm as a performer. Her initial recording appearance came in 1958 on the track “Boxtop,” under the name “Little Ann.” In 1960, Ike & Tina Turner made their recording debut with the song “A Fool in Love,” which not only became a crossover pop hit but also achieved platinum status. The couple eventually married in 1962.

Throughout the ’60s and ’70s, Ike & Tina Turner achieved great success with numerous chart-topping hits, including their iconic rendition of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Proud Mary.” Simultaneously, they developed a reputation as a must-see live act. However, behind the scenes, their partnership was plagued by turmoil. Ike subjected Tina to physical, emotional, and financial abuse for years.

In her 2018 memoir, “My Love Story,” Turner candidly recounted the harrowing experiences she endured, stating, “He threw hot coffee in my face, causing third-degree burns… He used my nose as a punching bag so many times that I could taste blood running down my throat when I sang. He broke my jaw. And I couldn’t remember what it was like not to have a black eye.” The renowned singer even revealed a point in her life where she attempted to take her own life.

Turner filed for divorce from Ike in 1976, and their marriage officially ended in March 1978. However, her struggles were far from over. During the divorce proceedings, Ike resorted to sending individuals to harass and intimidate Tina, while also maintaining control over their contracts and finances. This left Tina and their four sons dependent on food stamps, as Ike retained ownership of the publishing rights to their music, leaving her without a source of income.

Reflecting on her relationship with Ike, Tina expressed in her memoir, “My relationship with Ike was doomed the day he figured out I was going to be his moneymaker… He needed to control me, economically and psychologically, so I could never leave him.”

Turner’s career consequently declined for several years following the divorce, but she rebounded with her 1984 solo album Private Dancer, which went five-times platinum and brought us the No. 1 hit “What’s Love Got to Do with It.” However, Turner didn’t see it as a comeback album. “Tina had never arrived,” the singer said in the 2021 HBO documentary Tina. “It was Tina’s debut.”

The legacy of Tina Turner extends far beyond her remarkable music career. Her resilience and ability to overcome unimaginable hardships have made her an enduring symbol of strength and empowerment. Through her courageous spirit and unwavering determination, she has inspired countless individuals worldwide.