The death of Tina Turner – the dynamic rock and R&B singer who was active for decades – was announced on Wednesday with great sadness. She was 83 years old. According to Reuters, Turner passed away in the comfort of her home close to Zurich, Switzerland following a long illness.
The iconic singer’s career was distinguished by hard work and the ability to re-invent herself, resulting in many beloved musical hits like “Proud Mary” in 1971 and “What’s Love Got To Do With It” in 1984.
Having toured the world, she has had the opportunity to share stages with prominent artists like David Bowie and Mick Jagger. In addition, she was featured in a ‘Mad Max’ film and was given a tremendous tribute by Beyoncé in 2005.
Image | Sky News
Tina Turner will always be remembered for her powerful voice and the electric energy she gave off while on stage. Away from the spotlight, however, her demeanour was calmer; shaped by the unwelcoming environment of the racially segregated South she grew up in.
Anna Mae Bullock, born on November 26th 1939 in Nutbush, Tennessee, was separated at a young age from her parents – sharecroppers. Growing up alongside her older sister, she had to face many obstacles early in life.
As a teenager, Turner had thought about pursuing nursing, but her love for music won over and she started singing in the church choir. She then went to live with her grandparents in order to pursue that passion.
Over the course of her career, Turner was recognised with 8 Grammy awards from 21 nominations and 2 MTV Video Music Awards from 4 nominations. She was honoured for her immense contributions to the entertainment industry by earning a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a Kennedy Center Honor.
