Tina Turner, Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Dies at 83

Rock legend Tina Turner passed away on Wednesday, May 24th, after a battle with a “long illness” as revealed in a statement by her publicist, Bernard Doherty. The singer was best known for being dubbed the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll” and being a magnetizing live performer.

Tina Turner started out her career in Ike Turner’s Kings of Rhythm in 1957, then became a duo with Ike Turner in 1960 under the name Ike and Tina Turner. The duo released hits like “River Deep – Mountain High” and “Proud Mary” together before their separation in 1976. After her divorce from Ike, she took a break from music until her comeback in 1984 when she released Private Dancer, her most iconic album to date.

Turner went on to win a total of 12 Grammy Awards, and received honors such as her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991, and receiving the Kennedy Center Honors alongside Tony Bennett and Robert Redford. She also wrote a book with Kurt Loder titled “I, Tina”, detailing her life and career, leading to a movie based on the book called What’s Love Got To Do With It starring Angela Bassett.

Needless to say, Turner has made an incredible impact on rock music. With a museum dedicated to her and a musical based on her life, she was and will continue to be a huge figure in rock music. Many other artists are showing their support for Turner’s family and publicly mourning the loss. Rock artist Des Rocs posted on his Instagram about Tina, saying:

“She’s not just a once-in-a-generation talent, she’s a one-in-a-universe talent. There will never be another soul like Tina again.”

– Des Rocs

Des Rocs then linked to a concert film of Turner performing on her Foreign Affair World Tour in Barcelona in 1990, saying to watch “if you want to see what a real rock concert is”. You can watch the full performance here.

Other celebrities who’ve worked alongside Turner are also sharing fond memories of the singer, including Oprah Winfrey, Angela Bassett, Rod Stewart, Bryan Adams, and more. The love everyone had for Turner showed what a truly amazing woman she was, giving us not only her amazing talent but her love and kindness as well.

Rest in peace to the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, and may Tina Turner’s legacy live on.