The world has lost another legend...
Tina Turner, the iconic rock queen, passed away at her home in Switzerland at the age of 83 on the 24th, local time.
In Tina's obituary, there is a line that says, "She inspired millions of fans around the world with her music and boundless passion for life, and she also motivated the stars of tomorrow."
Indeed, today's reigning diva, Beyoncé, once said, "I'm lucky to have had two Tinas in my life to guide me." One is her mother, Tina Knowles, and the other is Tina Turner herself. While young people may not know much about this true queen, after learning about her life, you will undoubtedly believe that she truly deserves the title of "legend."
01
She was an unloved child from birth.
Tina was born as Anna Mae Bullock in Tennessee, USA, in November 1939. When she was 11 years old, her mother unexpectedly left home to escape her abusive husband. Two years later, her father remarried, and she and her sister were sent to live with their grandmother. Later, the two sisters were continuously fostered by different relatives...
They say that an unfortunate childhood takes a lifetime to heal, and indeed, this unfortunate experience influenced her entire life. Years later, in her autobiography, "I, Tina," she wrote that her parents did not love her, and she was even the child who should not have been born (her mother had wanted to leave the family long before but reluctantly stayed because of her pregnancy).
At the age of 16, she returned to live with her mother in Missouri. One evening, she accompanied her sister to a bar where a band called Ike Turner and The Kings of Rhythm were performing. That performance left a profound impression on her, and the man named Ike Turner would later change her life.
02
During high school, she joined a band and became involved with the band's saxophonist, which resulted in a pregnancy. In 1958, at the age of 18, she gave birth to a son, but the father disappeared...
Around that time, Ike Turner became her mentor and support. He bought her beautiful clothes and taught her how to sing on stage... She thought Ike would be the cure for her, but little did she know he was actually poison. Gradually, their relationship crossed boundaries and turned into a romantic one. In 1960, she became pregnant again, but this time it was with Ike's child.
Ike molded the immensely talented girl in front of him according to his own vision, including renaming her Tina. At the time, she even asked Ike, "Why Tina?" The answer she received was that Tina rhymed with Sheena, a name he had seen on television.
Later on, Ike's control over Tina grew stronger... After their first successful record as the new group "Ike and Tina" with the album "A Fool In Love," Ike insisted on having Tina go on tour while leaving her eldest son to be taken care of by a nanny. Ike hardly allowed Tina to be out of his sight, didn't give her money, and forbade her from seeing friends.
Even more horrifying, Ike subjected her to years of domestic violence, especially after he fell into alcohol and drug addiction. Despite living cautiously, fearing to upset Ike in any way, he would use anything at his disposal to physically harm her if Tina's gaze didn't meet his approval. He would throw coffee in her face, break her jaw and ribs, and on many occasions, Tina would appear on stage with a bruised and swollen face from the abuse...
In 1968, she even attempted suicide by swallowing 50 sleeping pills...
Now, many people might wonder why Tina would rather attempt suicide than leave Ike. In her memoir in 1986, Tina mentioned that the answer lies in her tragic childhood. That experience left her with little self-esteem and a fear of being abandoned once again.
Furthermore, Tina initially worried that leaving Ike would mean the end of her career, but she later realized that it should have been Ike who worried about that issue...
Finally, in 1976, after 16 years of marriage, Tina, who could no longer bear it, mustered the courage to file for divorce. In the divorce settlement, she practically gave away all of their joint assets to Ike, keeping only her stage name, Tina.
03
Tina Turner, the legendary rock queen, fearlessly embarked on a new journey with the name she had fought for throughout her life.
Starting from the 1980s, Tina began to rebuild her solo career and won global love and respect with her powerful voice, passionate stage performances, and seductive image. Her notable works include "What's Love Got to Do with It" and "The Best."
Tina Turner is a music icon, having sold over 200 million records in her career. She received numerous accolades, including eight Grammy Awards and three BRIT Awards, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In addition to her career success, Tina tied the knot with Erwin Bach, who was 16 years her junior, in 2013.
In 2021, HBO released a documentary called "Tina," which narrates her legendary life.
As a result, after her passing, the entire entertainment industry mourned her:
Beyoncé, who once compared Tina to her own mother, paid tribute by saying, "My dear queen, I will love you forever. I am so grateful for your inspiration and for paving the way for me. You are strength and resilience, the epitome of power and passion, and we are all lucky to have witnessed your kindness and beautiful spirit that will always endure. Thank you for everything you have done."
Madonna expressed gratitude to Tina Turner for paving the way for many women and said, "God bless you."
Mariah Carey described Tina as a legend, idol, queen, and superstar, stating that these terms have been used too many times, but Tina Turner truly deserves them and more. Mariah further emphasized that Tina was an incredible performer, musician, and trailblazer. To her, Tina will always live on and inspire women worldwide, and her music will continue to inspire future generations. Rest in peace, Queen.
Mick Jagger, the lead singer of The Rolling Stones, expressed his sorrow at Tina Turner's passing, describing her as a talented performer and singer. He praised her for being inspirational, passionate, witty, and generous. He also acknowledged the help she provided him when he was young and said he would never forget her.
Throughout her life, Tina faced nearly every challenge one could encounter, but she radiated with unwavering vitality.
She proved with her life that "it doesn't matter what happens; what matters is how you deal with it."
Tina Turner, as the rock queen of the United States, conquered the hearts of countless fans with her unique musical talent and passionate stage performances. Her legendary journey and resilient personality became an object of admiration and pursuit for many. Some people even choose to forever remember her by getting tattoos, expressing their love and tribute to her.
In the music industry and popular culture, tattoos have become an art form and a means of personal expression. They represent an individual's uniqueness and emotional connection to something specific. For those deeply moved by Tina Turner's talent and charm, tattoos have become a way to express their adoration and homage to her.
When you attend a music festival or rock concert, you may notice people proudly displaying tattoos of Tina Turner's portrait or iconic imagery on their backs or arms. These tattoos not only praise her musical achievements but also pay tribute to her unique charisma. They might depict Tina's passionate poses on stage, her signature dance moves, or her captivating smile.
Behind these tattoos, there are personal stories and emotions. Each person who chooses to ink Tina Turner onto their body has their own reasons and special connection. For some, it is a tribute to her as a powerful female figure, representing resilience and empowerment. For others, it is a way to reminisce, connecting them to Tina's music and the era, evoking endless fond memories.
These Tina Turner tattoos go beyond being mere designs; they are bodily symbols, proudly displaying the emotional bond between individuals and her. Whether on stage or in life, Tina's unique charm and talent inspire people to pursue their dreams and stay true to themselves. Tattoos become a symbol, a way to permanently etch Tina Turner's spirit into their hearts.
So, when you see someone with a Tina Turner tattoo on their back or arm, know that it is a tribute to a legend, a way of forever remembering her soul deep within. These tattoos bear witness to Tina Turner's impact and inspiration as an idol in the music industry. Whether through her music, stage performances, or the courage to be oneself, Tina Turner's spirit will continue to inspire people to surpass themselves, ignite the fire within, and pass down her legendary story through generations.
Article edited by TATARTIST furniture.
