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Tina Turner, the legendary rock ‘n’ roll singer who found massive success in middle age after leaving behind a secluded farming community and abusive relationship, died on Wednesday at the age of 83. She emerged as the defining pop artist of the 80s, and the name behind hits like The Best and What’s Love Got to Do With It.
Her publicist Bernard Doherty said in a statement on Wednesday night: “Tina Turner, the ‘Queen of Rock’n Roll’ has died peacefully today at the age of 83 after a long illness in her home in Kusnacht near Zurich, Switzerland. With her, the world loses a music legend and a role model.”
Her death was mourned by the US President Joe Biden, who termed her a ‘once-in-a-generation talent that changed American music forever’. The Obamas remembered her as someone who sang through ‘joy and pain’. Mick Jagger said he inspired him and remembered her as ‘warm, funny and generous’. Beyonce also lauded her musical legacy and said she sang with ‘passion and power’.
Actor Angela Bassett, who played Turner in a 1993 movie, talked of the abusive relationship with husband Ike Turner that Tina Turner overcame to chart her own path. “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.
“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.'”
Born Anna Mae Bullock in a segregated Tennessee community, Tina Turner ended years of physical, emotional and financial abuse by her husband Ike and emerged as a phenomenon on her own in her 40s, when most artists are ending their innings at the top. She came up with hits including Let’s Stay Together, Private Dancer, Steamy Windows and James Bond theme GoldenEye during that phase and was a top concert artist. She was among the first women to openly speak about domestic abuse, emerging as a story of strength.
In her career, she emerged as a top recording artist, won 12 Grammys, was voted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, was honored at the Kennedy Center in 2005, and sold over 150 million records. A film, a Broadway musical and an HBO documentary was based on her life.
Singer Bryan Adams
“I’ll be forever grateful for you bringing me on tour with you, going in the studio together and being your friend. Thank you for being the inspiration to millions of people around the world for speaking your truth and giving us the gift of your voice.”
Rolling Stones lead singer Mick Jagger
“I’m so saddened by the passing of my wonderful friend Tina Turner. She was truly an enormously talented performer and singer. She was inspiring, warm, funny and generous. She helped me so much when I was young and I will never forget her.”
Singer and songwriter John Fogerty
“So deeply sad to hear about Tina Turner’s passing … I loved her version of ‘Proud Mary’! It was different and fantastic. I was also so happy because she chose my song and it was her breakthrough record.”
US President Joe Biden
“Before she was the Queen of Rock and Roll, Tina Turner was a farmer’s daughter in Tennessee. As a child, she sang in the church choir before becoming one of the most successful recording artists of all time.
In addition to being a once-in-a-generation talent that changed American music forever, Tina’s personal strength was remarkable. Overcoming adversity, and even abuse, she built a career for the ages and a life and legacy that were entirely hers.”
Former US president Bill Clinton
“I loved Tina Turner and will never forget meeting her when she came to Little Rock for a concert after releasing Private Dancer in 1984. We met again on her 67th birthday in St. Petersburg, where she and Elton John sang for a charity event. She still had it – talent, style, energy and authenticity – a priceless gift to music lovers everywhere.”
Singer Mariah Carey
“The words legendary, iconic, diva, and superstar are often overused and yet Tina Turner embodies them all and so many more – an incredible performer, musician and trailblazer. To me, she will always be a survivor and an inspiration to women everywhere. Her music will continue to inspire generations to come.”
Blondie lead singer Debbie Harry
“A woman who started in rural Nutbush (Tennessee), cotton fields and worked her way to the very top. Tina was a great inspiration to me when I was starting out and remains so to this day.”
Singer and actor Jennifer Hudson
“Tina Turner, we honor you! Your legacy will live forever. (You) showed us all what it means to have the grit and determination to never stop, no matter what life throws our way!”
Singer and actor Bette Midler
“She was an absolutely brilliant performer and inspiration to us all. May flights of angels sing her to her rest, but if I know Tina, she is singing lead.”
(With inputs from Reuters)
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