Biography of Tina Turner
Tina Turner, born Anna Mae Bullock, is a legendary American singer, songwriter, and actress who captivated millions with her powerhouse voice. She shot to fame in the early 1960s performing as a duo with her husband, Ike Turner. Together, they delivered electrifying performances that combined soul, rock, and R&B. By the late 70s, she left Ike and launched her solo career. Her breakthrough solo album, Private Dancer (1984), won three Grammy Awards and sold over twenty million copies worldwide. In 2021, Turner's name was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo performer, cementing her status as one of rock's most powerful female voices.
Childhood and Family
Anna Mae Bullock was born in November 1939, born in the small town of Brownsville, Tennessee. Her mother, Zelma Priscilla, worked at a local factory, while her father, Floyd Richard, juggled jobs as a farmer, laborer, and deacon at the local Baptist church. Turner never concealed that she was an unwanted child.
Ike and Tina Turner
Missouri is often hailed as the birthplace of ragtime, and the young woman soon found herself drawn to the local blues scene. At one such event at the Manhattan Club, she met musician Ike Turner, frontman of the "Kings of Rhythm." Captivated by this new musical style, she approached Ike and asked to perform with his band. Ike was initially skeptical, but her persistence paid off—a decision he'd never regret.
In 1971, Ike and Tina released "Proud Mary," which became their signature song and earned them a Grammy.
Solo Career
In 1973, Tina Turner penned the song "Nutbush City Limits," which gained international acclaim. This proved to be the last successful piece Tina performed as part of the duo with Ike, although several years remained until their split. Tina's husband sank deeper into cocaine addiction, becoming increasingly aggressive, as the popularity of their band dwindled.
Tina co-wrote "GoldenEye," the theme song for the 1995 James Bond film of the same name, and a year later she presented the album "Wildest Dreams."
In the 2000s, she scaled back her performances but still thrilled fans with occasional collaborations alongside other global stars. For example, she performed with Beyoncé during the 50th anniversary of the Grammy Awards ceremony in 2008. Later that year, she launched what would be her final major tour.
Tina Turner's Personal Life
In 1957, Tina started a relationship with Raymond Hill, a saxophonist in Ike Turner's band. In August 1958, their son Craig was born. The romance lasted about a year.
In the mid-1980s, Tina moved to Europe. She lived in London, Cologne, and Nice for a long time, and then moved to Switzerland. In Switzerland, the artist met producer Erwin Bach. In July 2013, the couple legalized their relationship. At the same time, Tina became a Swiss citizen.
Death
In her last years, she faced serious health problems: in 2013, Tina suffered a stroke, and three years later she was diagnosed with intestinal cancer. Treatment complications resulted in kidney failure. In 2021, the singer officially ended her career, although she formally left the music industry already in 2009.
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 Küsnacht near Zurich, Switzerland. With her, the world loses a music legend and a role model.