Tina Turner, Iconic Queen of Rock and Roll Passes Away At 83
Denize Alain / Sygma via Getty Images
By: Gentel Sharrie
Tina Turner, the queen of rock and roll and one of the greatest performers in history has passed away peacefully in her Switzerland home. Over the years, Tina Turner has won many awards for her hit songs which have inspired the world. Turner was a 7x Grammy winner and was also inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Tina Turner rose to prominence in the 1960s as a member of the musical duo Ike & Tina Turner. Together her and her former husband Ike recorded several hits, including "River Deep-Mountain High" and "Proud Mary." Once Tina and Ike separated, she began her solo career. Her 1984 album "Private Dancer" rose to the top of international fame and included hit singles such as "What's Love Got to Do with It" and "Private Dancer." She continued to release successful albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, solidifying her status as an iconic music figure.
Tina Turner wasn’t just known for her electrifying performances and top-of-the-line dance moves. She also ventured into acting. She appeared in films such as "Tommy" in 1975 and "Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome" in 1985, showcasing her talent beyond the music industry.
Tina Turner Starring in “Mad Max”
Tina Turner’s career was so touching to the world that a biopic film “What’s Love Got To Do With It” was created to share her real-life experiences including the challenges she faced and ultimately overcame. Her story serves as an inspiration to many aspiring artists and individuals.
Angela Bassett, portrayed Turner in the film and earned an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of her in the 1993 film. Bassett talked to The Hollywood Reporter about Turner's legacy.
“How do we say farewell to a woman who owned her pain and trauma and used it as a means to help change the world? Through her courage in telling her story, her commitment to stay the course in her life, no matter the sacrifice, and her determination to carve out a space in rock and roll for herself and for others who look like her, Tina Turner showed others who lived in fear what a beautiful future filled with love, compassion, and freedom should look like.”
Bassett continued on to say:
“Her final words to me — for me — were ‘You never mimicked me. Instead, you reached deep into your soul, found your inner Tina, and showed her to the world.’ I shall hold these words close to my heart for the rest of my days. I am honored to have known Tina Turner. I am humbled to have helped show her to the world. So on today, while we mourn the loss of this iconic voice and presence, she gave us more than we could have ever asked. She gave us her whole self. And Tina Turner is a gift that will always be “simply the best.” Angels, sing thee to thy rest…Queen.”
Tina Turner and Angela Bassett on set of What’s Love Got To Do With It
“People think my life has been tough, but I think it has been a wonderful journey. The older you get, the more you realize it’s not what happens, but how you deal with it.”
Tina has lived her life to the fullest and her legacy will continue to live on. Tina Turner will be missed but her songs will be forever heard. May she rest in peace.
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