Musicians from renowned bands such as Whitesnake, Black Sabbath, The Rolling Stones, KISS, Disturbed, and Queensrÿche took to social media to express their reactions to the passing of the legendary Tina Turner. The groundbreaking rock singer, known as the “Queen of Rock ‘N’ Roll,” sadly passed away today at the age of 83 after a prolonged illness.
Turner had faced various health challenges in recent years, including a diagnosis of intestinal cancer in 2016 and a kidney transplant in 2017.
With a career spanning over five decades, Tina Turner was not only a globally adored icon but also one of the most popular and successful entertainers in the world. She was celebrated for her exceptional skills as a singer, dancer, actress, and author.
Among her numerous achievements, the esteemed artist received 12 Grammy Awards, was the first black and female artist to grace the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, and was honored with the Légion d’honneur by the French government. As one of the highest-selling artists of all time, her live performances captivated millions of fans worldwide. Initially inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the duo Ike & Tina Turner, she was later honored with a solo induction in October 2021.
Born as Anna Mae Bullock in Nutbush, Tennessee, Turner rose to fame in the 1960s alongside her then-husband Ike Turner as the lead singer of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. Her electrifying stage presence and a collection of hits, including “River Deep – Mountain High” and “Proud Mary,” earned her critical acclaim. However, her widely publicized divorce and personal struggles led her to retreat from the music industry. During the 1970s, Turner embraced Buddhism and rebuilt her life, drawing strength from her spirituality.
In 1975, she made a triumphant return with her role as the Acid Queen in the film adaptation of The Who’s “Tommy,” delivering a memorable yet brief performance.
During the late 1970s, she released several albums, but it was in 1984 that her career skyrocketed with the release of “Private Dancer.” The album achieved quintuple platinum status in the United States and sold over 10 million copies worldwide. It spawned chart-topping hits such as “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” “Better Be Good To Me,” the title track, and a cover of Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together.” “Private Dancer” garnered widespread recognition and earned Turner three Grammy Awards.
She followed this success with a string of hit albums, including “Break Every Rule,” “Foreign Affair,” and “What’s Love Got To Do With It.” Popular singles such as “Typical Male,” “The Best,” “I Don’t Wanna Lose You,” “I Don’t Wanna Fight,” and “Goldeneye” solidified her status as a powerhouse in rock ‘n’ roll. Memorable duets with David Bowie and Mick Jagger showcased her ability to hold her own alongside rock legends.
In 1985, she made another mark with her role in the film “Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome” and its theme song, “We Don’t Need Another Hero,” which further solidified her high-profile status, extending well into the 1990s.
As an author, her bestselling memoir, “I, Tina,” was adapted into the Academy Award-nominated film “What’s Love Got To Do With It” in 1993. Her subsequent book, “My Love Story,” achieved global success in 2018. Additionally, Turner’s extraordinary life has been immortalized in three documentaries, including the HBO production “Tina” in 2021. Her story has also been portrayed in the biographical musical “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical,” which became a resounding success on Broadway and in London, earning Tony and Olivier awards.
