Tina Turner – one of rock’s most tremendous singers and most charismatic entertainers – has passed away at aged 83.
In an official communique, her representative uttered: “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.”
The US-born superstar was one of the great female rock vocalists, known for her electric on-stage existence and a string of hits including The Best, Proud Mary, Private Dancer and What’s Love Got to Do With It.
Among the first to pay tribute were Mick Jagger, Bette Midler, Bryan Adams, the White House and Gloria Gaynor. Turner first establishes fame in the 1960s alongside ex-spouse Ike Turner, with the classic song River Deep, Mountain High among their repertoire.
The domestic abuse he subjected her to – and her long struggle to get break free – was documented in a 1993 Hollywood film starring Angela Bassett, which won three Oscars.
Turner’s life story was also immortalised in a popular West End show that is still running. The crooner’s rage as a solo artist withered in the 1970s and her days in the limelight appeared over, with the musician mainly playing the cabaret circuit. However, her career was dramatically resurrected in 1983 when a cover of Al Green’s Let’s Stay Together became a huge hit.
Turner, then in her forties, signed a new contract with Capitol Records which led to the Private Dancer album in 1984. It went on to sell more than 10 million copies and established her as a mega-star.
The title track from Private Dancer, as well as What’s Love Got to Do With It, and I Can’t Stand the Rain were among the seven singles from the record.
Her most well-known tune – with its distinctive intro, steady build and powerful chorus – is probably The Best. Released in 1989, part of the Foreign Affair album, it’s a cover of a song by Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler.
Proud Mary is also an established classic, with Turner performing up-tempo dance moves to its “rolling down the river” refrain well into her 70s at live shows.
Undoubtedly, the world will miss this incredible talent.
© 2023 • Story By Edem Latsu Nukafu
Writer’s email: edemlatsu093@gmail.com
