Tina Turner

Biography

Tina Turner, born Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939, in Nutbush, Tennessee, rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most iconic performers in music history. She was the youngest of three sisters, born to Floyd and Zelma Bullock, who worked as sharecroppers. Her early life was marked by hardship, including a turbulent family dynamic, but music became her refuge.

Tina grew up singing in the Spring Hill Baptist Church choir and was influenced by the rhythm and blues surrounding her. After her parents separated, she lived with her grandmother before eventually moving to St. Louis, Missouri, where her journey to stardom began.

Personal Life

Tina’s personal life has been both inspiring and challenging. She was famously married to musician Ike Turner, a relationship marked by both creative collaboration and personal abuse. After leaving Ike in 1976, Tina rebuilt her career and life, eventually marrying German music executive Erwin Bach in 2013.

She became a Swiss citizen later in life and settled in Küsnacht, Switzerland, enjoying a peaceful retirement before passing on May 24, 2023.

Career

Rise to Fame with Ike Turner

Tina's musical career began in the late 1950s when she met Ike Turner, whose band, the Kings of Rhythm, performed in St. Louis. Her powerful voice and stage presence led to her joining the group, eventually rebranding as the Ike & Tina Turner Revue.

The duo achieved significant success in the 1960s and early 1970s with hits like:

“River Deep – Mountain High”

“Proud Mary” (Grammy-winning hit)

“Nutbush City Limits”

Their electrifying performances and Tina’s dynamic energy made them a sensation, but their relationship behind the scenes was tumultuous.

Solo Career

After leaving Ike, Tina faced significant challenges but persevered to build a groundbreaking solo career. Her comeback album, “Private Dancer” (1984), was a global phenomenon, earning her four Grammy Awards and solidifying her as a music legend.

Notable Albums and Hits

“Private Dancer”: Featuring hits like “What’s Love Got to Do with It”, “Better Be Good to Me”, and the title track.

“Break Every Rule” (1986): Included the hit “Typical Male.”

“Foreign Affair” (1989): Known for the anthem “The Best.”

“Wildest Dreams” (1996)

“Twenty-Four Seven” (1999)

Her music blended rock, pop, and soul, and her raw emotional delivery resonated with audiences worldwide.

Acting Career

Tina Turner also made a mark in the film industry:

“Tommy” (1975): Played the Acid Queen in this rock opera.

“Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome” (1985): Delivered a memorable performance as Aunty Entity, and her song “We Don’t Need Another Hero” became a global hit.

“What’s Love Got to Do with It” (1993): A biographical film based on her life, where Angela Bassett portrayed Tina.