In a somber turn of events, the world mourns the loss of a true musical legend, Tina Turner, who passed away at the age of 83. Just six weeks before her death, in her final interview, the iconic singer expressed her desire to be remembered as the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll” and as a woman who defied norms to achieve success on her own terms.
Tina Turner breathed her last at her residence in Küsnach, Switzerland, after battling a prolonged illness. Her camp released a statement acknowledging the immense loss, referring to her as a music legend and an inspiring role model.
Renowned for her witty remarks, Turner humorously responded, “At my age, is there another option?” when asked if she desired more fame, wealth, or romance. She also cherished the anonymity she had achieved in her retirement.
Left behind to mourn her passing are her devoted husband of seven years, Erwin Bach, and two of her four sons. After a remarkable 30-year courtship, Turner and Bach tied the knot in 2013, solidifying their enduring love.
Mick Jagger, who shared scorching chemistry with Turner on stage, led the tributes to his dear friend. He expressed deep sorrow at her loss, praising her incredible vocal range, stage presence, and personal warmth. Jagger also acknowledged Turner’s significant impact on his own life, recalling the support she provided him during his early years.
Fashion designer Giorgio Armani, a close friend of Turner, shared his disbelief and sadness at her passing. He described her as an eternal source of energy and emphasized the everlasting nature of her music. Armani also expressed his personal grief at losing such a wonderful friend, whom he had the privilege of dressing on numerous occasions.
Despite a tumultuous upbringing and an abusive marriage with Ike Turner, Tina Turner, originally named Anna-Mae Bullock, rose above her circumstances to become a musical superstar and an inspiration to many. In her early twenties, she and Ike formed the “Ike and Tina Turner Revue,” gaining fame and success as a stage act. Behind closed doors, however, Tina endured severe abuse, leading to their separation in 1978.
Turner shattered societal barriers by openly discussing the abuse she endured, aiming to dispel the false notion of a picture-perfect partnership. Through her documentary, she aimed to reveal the truth and provide support to others facing similar situations.
By the 1980s, Turner had established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. Electrifying performances with Mick Jagger and David Bowie further catapulted her career, earning her numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2009, she bid farewell to stadium concerts with her final performance in Sheffield, England.
Her extraordinary life and career were celebrated in the musical “Tina, The Tina Turner Musical,” which captivated audiences on London’s West End and in various cities across the United States. In 2019, Turner attended the New York opening night, delivering a mesmerizing performance that left the crowd in awe.
Turner and her husband, Erwin Bach, sought solace and tranquility in their peaceful life in Switzerland. Her passing, announced through her social media accounts, deeply saddened her millions of fans worldwide. Her music and exuberant zest for life touched the hearts of many and will continue to inspire future generations of musicians.
While Turner’s health struggles were widely known, the exact cause of her death remains undisclosed. In 2017, she received a kidney transplant from her devoted husband, Erwin, after enduring years of severe renal failure and a cancer diagnosis. In her autobiography, Turner expressed her gratitude to Bach for teaching her how to love without compromising her individuality. They embraced their independence while cherishing their bond as a couple.
Tina Turner’s journey began in the small town of Brownsville, Tennessee, where she had a humble upbringing. Escaping a turbulent home environment, she was sent to live with her grandmother at the age of 11. At 16, she ventured to St. Louis, Missouri, where fate eventually led her to Ike Turner. Impressed by her talent, Ike offered her a permanent position in his band after witnessing her perform.
The “Ike and Tina Turner Revue” emerged as a renowned stage act, but Tina’s solo career flourished after the dissolution of her marriage with Ike. In 1969, she won her first Grammy Award for “The Hunter,” shortly after surviving a valium overdose. Overcoming the gloomy prospects of Las Vegas, she embarked on a remarkable recovery and continued to soar in her musical pursuits.
In the wake of Tina Turner’s departure, her husband Erwin Bach and their two sons remain as her immediate family. Tragically, her two sons from a previous relationship had already passed away, and her youngest son, Craig, took his own life at the age of 59 in 2018. Additionally, her son Ronnie Turner succumbed to complications related to colon cancer at the age of 62 in December of the previous year.
The world bids farewell to Tina Turner, a true music icon whose legacy will forever resonate through her timeless songs and indomitable spirit. Her mesmerizing performances and unwavering determination serve as an inspiration to all who dare to dream and break barriers. Tina Turner’s remarkable journey will continue to ignite passion and leave an indelible mark on the hearts of music lovers worldwide.