The world mourns the passing of trailblazer Tina Turner
The music world is mourning the loss of Tina Turner, a trailblazing rock and roll icon, who passed away at the age of 83 following a prolonged illness. Turner, who achieved mammoth popularity in the 80s, has left an indelible mark on the music industry with her passionate performances and unmatched vocal prowess.
The confirmation of her passing came from her spokesperson, Bernard Doherty, on a Wednesday afternoon. This marked the end of Turner's brave battle with a long-standing illness that she had been privately managing for several years.
Turner's journey wasn't without its trials, however. In particular, she had to grapple with a turbulent and abusive marriage with Ike Turner. Despite the hardship, Tina emerged stronger, transforming her personal struggles into a source of inspiration for countless individuals.
Her ascent to stardom in the 80s was accompanied by a series of explosive revelations about her past, which became a constant topic in the media. Hits such as "Let's Stay Together," "What's Love Got to Do With It," and "Private Dancer" skyrocketed her career, even as she grappled with the public scrutiny of her personal life. To address this, in 1986, Tina penned an autobiography titled "I, Tina," hoping it would satiate the media's curiosity and allow her to move on from her painful past.
The media, however, continued to prod her to relive her past experiences, including instances where she was made to react to statements made by Ike. Throughout these uncomfortable moments, Tina maintained her composure, refusing to engage in public disputes and focusing on her music and personal growth instead.
Her story was further amplified when it was adapted into a 1993 film, "What's Love Got to Do With It." Her portrayal by Angela Bassett in the film offered an intimate look into her life and struggles. In 2005, media mogul Oprah Winfrey shared a poignant anecdote about a woman who found the strength to leave an abusive relationship, inspired by Tina's music and life story. Tina's resilience and journey towards self-realization resonated with many, turning her life into a beacon of hope and triumph.
Tina often attributed her ability to leave her abusive marriage to her Buddhist faith, which she adopted in the 1970s. She claimed that chanting helped her find clarity and muster the courage to break free from Ike.
In 2018, Tina chose to share more of her life experiences in a new autobiography, "My Love Story." This book detailed her newfound love with actor and producer Erwin Bach and how she managed to cope with the tragic loss of her son, Craig.
Her indomitable spirit was celebrated when she was inducted as a solo artist into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021. Angela Bassett, who portrayed her in the film, delivered a heartfelt speech, emphasizing Tina's journey to independence and how her life story had inspired numerous forms of media including a documentary, a Broadway show, and best-selling autobiographies.
In April, the musical based on her life, "Tina - The Tina Turner Musical," partnered with Women's Aid on its fifth anniversary, reflecting Tina's enduring legacy as an advocate for survivors of domestic abuse. Tina Turner's life and career is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Her story is a beacon of hope, showing that there can be freedom and happiness after abuse, and her voice will continue to inspire generations to come