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The Life of Tina Turner, the Queen of Rock and Roll

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From country girl to global music icon, Tina Turner's life was an extraordinary journey of resilience, talent and triumph. Rising to fame with Ike & Tina Turner, her electrifying performances and powerful voice made her the queen of rock 'n' roll.

Discover the remarkable story of his legendary career and personal resilience.

Beginning of the small town

Tina Turner at Poplar Creek Music Theater
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Tina Turner, born Anna Mae Bullock, was born on November 26, 1939 in Nutbush, Tennessee. She grew up in a small rural town and her passion for music developed at an early age.

As a teenager, she sang in her church choir and later joined a local rhythm and blues group called the Kings of Rhythm.

Part of the group

American singer Tina Turner

In 1958, while playing with the Kings of Rhythm, Tina first met Ike Turner, the band's leader. Ike recognized her incredible talent and invited her to join his band.

They eventually formed a romantic and musical partnership, and Tina adopted the stage name “Tina Turner.”

Career takeoff

Tina Turner

Ike and Tina Turner's career took off in the 1960s with a string of R&B and soul hits, including “A Fool in Love,” “It's Gonna Work Out Fine” and “River Deep – Mountain High.”

Their energetic performances and Tina's powerful vocals have made them one of the most electrifying groups in the music industry.

Leaving Ike

Tina Turner at Poplar Creek Music Theater

Despite their professional success, Tina was unhappy in her marriage to Ike Turner. She eventually ended their relationship in 1976.

After their divorce in 1978, Tina had to face financial difficulties and rebuild her career from scratch.

Back solo

Tina Turner at the United Center

In the early 1980s, Tina Turner made a meteoric comeback as a solo artist. Her album “Private Dancer”, released in 1984, became a huge success.

The album produced several hit singles, including “What's Love Got to Do with It” and “Private Dancer”, and earned him four Grammy Awards.

Superstar in her own right

Tina Turner in concert 1997 - Mountain View CA

Her powerful voice, energetic stage presence and signature dance moves captivated audiences around the world. Tina's subsequent albums, such as “Break Every Rule” (1986) and “Foreign Affair” (1989), cemented her status as a global superstar.

Among his greatest solo hits are “Let's Stay Together” and “The Best.”

Me, Tina

Beyond - Three Voices for Peace

Tina Turner's life story came to widespread attention with the publication of her autobiography, Me, Tinain 1986. The book details the difficulties she faced in her marriage to Ike Turner and her journey to independence and success.

In 1993, the book was adapted into a biographical film. What does love have to do with it?raising more awareness of its history.

His last tour

Tina Turner performs in Arnhem

Throughout her career, Tina Turner has embarked on several successful concert tours, including the “Tina!: 50th Anniversary Tour” in 2009, which celebrated her five-decade career.

Her live performances were known for their energy, passion and the strength of her voice. You were always thrilled if you had the chance to see her perform!

A range of 3 octaves

Tina Turner Performs Live

Tina Turner had an impressive vocal range. Her voice spanned three octaves, allowing her to reach powerful high notes and deliver performances full of soul and emotion.

Other famous singers with a three-octave range include Kelly Clarkson, Alicia Keys, and Celine Dion. Not bad company, certainly! Tina was also famous for her deep, sultry voice.

Retired in 2009

Giorgio Armani Prive: Front Row - Paris Fashion Week - Haute Couture Fall Winter 2018/2019 Show

Tina retired from performing in 2009, stating that she wanted to focus on her personal life and spend more time with her family.

However, she continued to have an impact on pop culture, helping to create a musical and a documentary about her life, both titled TinaShe also wrote another memoir titled My love story.

Well decorated woman


In recognition of her contribution to music, Tina Turner has received numerous accolades. She has won a total of 12 Grammy Awards, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

She has also been inducted into several halls of fame, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Grammy Hall of Fame and the St. Louis Walk of Fame.

Guinness World Record Holder

Tina Turner interviewed on MTV

Tina also made history with her 1988 live concert in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which drew the largest paying audience for a solo artist at the time, with an estimated attendance of between 180,000 and 200,000.

She covered the record by Frank Sinatra, who had played to 170,000 people in the same venue eight years earlier.

Queen Tina

Tina Turner in Detroit

Tina Turner is often referred to as the “Queen of Rock 'n' Roll” due to her unprecedented success and influence in the genre. She became one of the first women to break barriers in the male-dominated rock industry.

There is no doubt about Tina's place as an icon in rock and roll history!

Talented on and off screen

Tina Turner Portrait Session

Tina was also an actress. In addition to her musical career, she appeared in films such as Tommy And Last action heroshowcasing her talent as a singer and actress. Her performances were often well received.

However, her most famous acting appearance was in the third film in the series. Mad Max trilogy.

His appearance in a most famous film

Tina Turner Portrait Session 1984

In 1985, Tina Turner starred alongside Mel Gibson in the hit film Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome.

She starred as Aunt Entity and also contributed two songs to the film's soundtrack, including the hit single “We Don't Need Another Hero,” which reached number one in Canada and number two in the United States.

Swiss citizenship

Tina Turner

Tina Turner was a Swiss citizen. In 2013, she renounced her American citizenship and became a citizen of Switzerland, where she had resided since the 1990s.

Tina lived in Sweden with her husband, German music producer Erwin Bach, with whom she had been in a relationship since 1986 and whom she married in 2013.

Her husband gave her a kidney

Giorgio Armani Prive: Front Row - Paris Fashion Week - Haute Couture Fall Winter 2018/2019 Show

Talk about commitment! Tina revealed that at one point in her life she was on dialysis and close to death until Bach donated a kidney to her. “And I would do it again,” he reportedly said.

Tina, with her classic wit, replied, “Well, I might need another one on the other side.”

Fashion icon

Tina Turner in Detroit

Tina was also a fashion icon! Her stage outfits, often adorned with sequins, fringe and leather, have become iconic symbols of her style and are frequently imitated by those who pay tribute to her.

She notably collaborated with renowned fashion designer Bob Mackie to create some of her most memorable stage costumes.

The bigger the hair…

Tina Turner performs at Wembley Arena in 1985

Tina was also known for her iconic hairstyle. Tina Turner's wild, voluminous hairstyle became her signature look, with her spiky, layered hair becoming famous.

Although later in life she was often seen with a more casual hairstyle, the spiky bun remained an essential element of her image!

An entertainment icon

Tina Turner in Detroit

Tina Turner's life is a testament to her strength, resilience and remarkable talent. Her journey from country girl to global music icon continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans.

Her contributions to the music industry and unforgettable performances have cemented her place as one of the greatest artists of all time.

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