Tina Turner, the American-born singer who rose from a humble farming community to become one of the top recording artists of all time, died on Wednesday at the age of 83 in Switzerland.
Turner began her career in the 1950s as part of the Ike and Tina Turner Revue, a musical partnership that was marred by domestic abuse and ended in divorce in 1978.
Turner reinvented herself in the 1980s as a solo pop star, winning six Grammy Awards and delivering hit songs such as “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “Private Dancer” and “The Best.”
Turner was known for her powerful voice, energetic stage presence, and iconic style, which influenced generations of singers and fans.
Turner was also an actress, appearing in the 1985 film “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome” and inspiring the 1993 biopic “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” starring Angela Bassett.
Turner moved to Europe in 1988 and married German music executive Erwin Bach in 2013. She became a Swiss citizen and relinquished her US citizenship.
Turner faced several health challenges in her later years, including a stroke, kidney failure, and cancer. She also lost two of her sons to suicide.
Turner’s life and legacy were celebrated in a musical stage show, “TINA: The Tina Turner Musical,” which premiered in London in 2018 and later on Broadway, and a documentary film, “Tina,” which aired on HBO in 2021.
Turner was widely regarded as one of the greatest singers of all time and a trailblazer for women and Black artists in the music industry.
Turner received tributes from fellow musicians, celebrities, and political leaders, who praised her talent, courage, and generosity.
Turner’s fans expressed their sorrow and gratitude for her music and inspiration on social media, using hashtags such as #RIPTinaTurner and #QueenOfRockNRoll.
Turner’s final words were “I’m happy” according to her husband Bach, who said she died peacefully after a long illness.