Tina Turner, the pioneering rock’n’roll star who became a pop behemoth in the 1980s, has died aged 83 after a long illness.
She had suffered ill health in recent years, being diagnosed with intestinal cancer in 2016 and having a kidney transplant in 2017.
Turner affirmed and amplified Black women’s formative stake in rock’n’roll, defining that era of music to the extent that Mick Jagger admitted to taking inspiration from her high-kicking, energetic live performances for his stage persona.
After two decades of working with her abusive husband, Ike Turner, she struck out alone and – after a few false starts – became one of the defining pop icons of the 1980s with the album Private Dancer. Her life was chronicled in three memoirs, a biopic, a jukebox musical, and in 2021, the acclaimed documentary film, Tina.
In a statement on Wednesday night, her publicist Bernard Doherty said: “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.”
In 2018, scholar Daphne A Brooks wrote for the Guardian: “Turner’s musical character has always been a charged combination of mystery as well as light, melancholy mixed with a ferocious vitality that often flirted with danger.”
Turner was born Anna Mae Bullock on 26 November 1939 and raised in Nutbush, Tennessee, where she recalled picking cotton with her family as a child. She sang in the tiny town’s church choir, and as a teenager talked – or rather, sang – her way into Ike’s band in St Louis: he had declined her request to join until he heard her seize the microphone during a Kings of Rhythm performance for a rendition of BB King’s You Know I Love You.
After her vocal talents became apparent, Ike gave her the name Tina Turner – and trademarked it in case she left him and he wanted to replace her in his act. He quickly became abusive: when Turner tried to leave the group early on after having got a sense of his mercurial character, he hit her with a wooden shoe stretcher.
“My relationship with Ike was doomed the day he figured out I was going to be his moneymaker,” Turner wrote in her 2018 autobiography My Love Story. “He needed to control me, economically and psychologically, so I could never leave him.”
She made her recorded debut under the name with the Ike and Tina Turner single A Fool in Love in July 1960, which broke the US Top 30 and started a run of respectable chart success. But it was their live performances that made them a sensation. Ike toured the Ike and Tina Turner Revue aggressively on the Chitlin’ Circuit – including in front of desegregated audiences, such was their commercial power. In 1964, they signed to Warner Bros imprint Loma Records, which released their first album to chart: Live! The Ike & Tina Turner Show.
In the second half of the 60s, the duo were courted by many of rock’s biggest names. Phil Spector produced the 1966 single River Deep – Mountain High; they supported the Rolling Stones in the UK and later the US, and stars including David Bowie, Sly Stone, Cher, Elvis Presley and Elton John came to their Las Vegas residency.
They were a chart-making, Grammy-winning force in the 1970s – a run that came to an end when Turner left Ike, who had been consistently violent and unfaithful, in 1976. Her last single with the group was Baby, Get It On, from the 1975 film adaptation of the Who’s rock opera Tommy, in which she starred as Acid Queen, a character of the same name of her second solo album.
In the divorce, finalised in 1978, Turner came away with just two cars and the rights to her stage name. “Ike fought a little bit because he knew what I would do with it,” she said in the documentary Tina.
Turner, who had already released two solo records, continued pursuing a solo career, though it would take until she released her fifth album, 1984’s Private Dancer, for her to supplant the old image of the shimmying rock’n’roller – and escape premature relegation to the oldies circuit – with one of a powerful, mullet-sporting, leather-clad pop icon.
In the documentary Tina, she described Private Dancer as her debut. “I don’t consider it a comeback,” she said. “Tina had never arrived.”
Turner credited Buddhism and particularly the practice of chanting with positively affecting her life in the 1980s. Outside music, she starred in Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome opposite Mel Gibson in 1985. She published her first memoir, the global bestseller I, Tina, in 1986, which was later adapted in to the 1993 film What’s Love Got to Do With It? starring Angela Bassett as Turner. In 1995, she sang the theme tune to the James Bond film GoldenEye.
Turner announced her retirement in 2000, a year after releasing her final solo album, Twenty Four Seven, though she would return to the stage in 2008, performing at the Grammy awards with Beyoncé, and for a final tour to mark 50 years of her career.
That was conclusively the end. “I was just tired of singing and making everybody happy,” she told the New York Times in 2019. “That’s all I’d ever done in my life.”
Turner collaborated on the musical Tina with Phyllida Lloyd, which premiered in 2018 and won Laurence Olivier and Tony awards for its respective West End and Broadway runs. “This musical is not about my stardom,” Turner said of the production. “It is about the journey I took to get there. Each night I want audiences to take away from the theatre that you can turn poison into medicine.”
Turner often said she did not relate to the “invincible” persona that others put on her. “I don’t necessarily want to be a ‘strong’ person,” she told the New York Times. “I had a terrible life. I just kept going. You just keep going, and you hope that something will come.”
In 2020, a remix of her 1984 hit What’s Love Got to Do With It? by the Norwegian producer Kygo made Turner the first artist to have a UK Top 40 hit in seven consecutive decades. In 2021, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist, 30 years after Ike and Tina Turner’s induction.
Turner is survived by her second husband, German music executive Erwin Bach. They married in July 2013 after 27 years together and lived in Switzerland. In 2013, Turner renounced her US citizenship to become a Swiss citizen.
Her first child, Craig Raymond Turner, died in July 2018. Last year, Turner said that following her other son Ronnie’s death at the age of 62 that he “left the world far too early”. She is survived by two of Ike Turner’s sons, Ike Turner Jr and Michael Turner, whom she adopted.
In 2020, Turner told the Guardian that despite having some serious health problems, the last 10 years of her life had embodied her ideal vision of happiness.
“True and lasting happiness comes from having an unshakeable, hopeful spirit that can shine, no matter what,” she said. “That’s what I’ve achieved, and it is my greatest wish to help others become truly happy as well.”
FAQs
Tina Turner: legendary rock’n’roll singer dies aged 83? ›
May 24 (Reuters) - Tina Turner, the American-born singer who left a hardscrabble farming community and abusive relationship to become one of the top recording artists of all time, died on Wednesday at the age of 83.
How did Tina Turner pass? ›A previous press release said that she died of “long illness.” On May 24, 2023, her publicist Bernard Doherty said: “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.
What illness did Tina have? ›Tina Turner had intestinal cancer
In January 2016, Turner was diagnosed with intestinal cancer, she shared in her memoir. She'd been suffering from chronic diarrhea for months previously, she wrote. It was diagnosed at an early stage, and she had carcinoma and multiple malignant polyps.
"It was beyond impressive." Turner was 69 at the time of her last concert, but Andrew Curphey, from Widnes, recalled the her tireless performance. He remembered her rushing across the stage in high heels and said: "She was just such a physical performer, she filled that stage.
What was Ike Turner cause of death? ›Addicted to cocaine for at least 15 years, Turner was convicted of drug offenses and served 18 months in prison. After his release in 1991, he relapsed in 2004, dying of a drug overdose in 2007.
Why is Tina Turner on dialysis? ›This is when I first learned that my kidneys didn't work that well anymore. They had already lost thirty-five percent of their function," she recounted in the post. "In order to survive, I had to start dialysis.
Who was Tina Turner married to when she passed away? ›Inside Tina Turner's Decade-Long Marriage to Husband Erwin Bach.
Why did Tina wear wigs? ›The relaxer treatment left her hair brittle and unable to execute an updo look for a performance that evening. The “Proud Mary” crooner's next and only option was a wig.
What mental illness does Tiny Tina have? ›Tiny Tina, one of the most prominent NPCs in the game, clearly has PTSD and clinical depression.
Did Tina lose her baby? ›After a successful insemination, Tina conceives, but suffers a miscarriage before she is even showing. This event is very traumatic for Tina, who finds comfort in working for a charity organization.
Will Tina Turner ever perform again? ›
T ina Turner is unlikely to ever perform again, according to the directors of a new documentary about the music superstar. The musician, 81, retired after a sold-out farewell tour, which ended in 2009, and the film, entitled Tina, is billed as a way of saying goodbye to her fans.
How old was Tina Turner when she had her first child with Ike? ›Prior to her marriage to Ike Turner, 18-year-old Tina Turner, born Anna Mae Bullock, welcomed her first child, a son named Craig, with musician Raymond Hill, who played the saxophone in Ike Turner's band, the Kings of Rhythm.
Where did Tina Turner live last? ›Turner died Tuesday, after a long illness at her home in Küsnacht near Zurich, Switzerland, according to her manager. She was 83.
How many times did Tina Turner marry? ›Turner, who was born Anna Mae Bullock, died Wednesday at the age of 83. The iconic singer, who was inducted as a solo artist into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2021, was married twice.
Did Tina Turner have children? › How many kids did Ike Turner have together? ›The pair raised four children together: three who were adopted from their previous relationships and one from their own relationship. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available.
What is the life expectancy of someone who stops dialysis? ›This varies from person to person. People who stop dialysis may live anywhere from one week to several weeks, depending on the amount of kidney function they have left and their overall medical condition.
What is the longest a person can live on dialysis? ›Today, someone can be on dialysis for many years. Many patients lead long, active, and fulfilling lives for 5, 10, 20 or more years. The length of time depends on many things such as age, gender, other health problems, and how well you follow your treatment plan.
How long can you live with permanent dialysis? ›Life expectancy on dialysis varies depending on your other medical conditions, how well you follow your treatment plan, and various other factors. The average life expectancy on dialysis is 5-10 years. However, many patients have lived well on dialysis for 20 or even 30 years.
What nationality was Tina Turner? ›Tina Turner (born Anna Mae Bullock; November 26, 1939 – May 24, 2023) was an American-born Swiss singer. Known as the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll", she rose to prominence as the lead singer of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue before launching a successful career as a solo performer.
Does Tina Turner have kids with her husband? ›
Tina adopted Ike Turner's kids.
She gave birth to the couple's only biological child, Ronnie Turner, in October of 1960. Ike Jr. is now a Grammy-winning musician in his own right and has said that Tina was the "only mother I've ever known," per the Daily Mail.
Turner and Bach dated for 27 years and were married for 10 years until her death on May 24, 2023 from a long illness.
Has Tina Turner got any tattoos? ›Turner turned to tattoo artist MR. K to get a 'G' inked on her finger in remembrance of her grandfather whom she called her 'hero. ' In another adorable step, she also got the letter 'W' tattooed, which is the first letter of her daughter's name, Willa. The couple has a few matching tattoos as well.
Was Tina Turner a cleaner? ›Starting from scratch: 1976
She had a cleaning job in order to pay rent, and after her divorce from Ike in 1978, she began finally attempting a new solo music career.
the Queen of Hearts is affected by egotism and narcissist syndrome “head off”, the hookah-smoking Caterpillar by drug addiction, and the Mad Hatter, simply by madness, repeating in an obsessive-compulsive way, for ten years at 6 p.m. the celebration of our beloved Unbirthday.
What does Tiny Tina eat? ›She loves tea parties, being girly, and has a special fondness for crumpets. She and Mordecai get into a talk about how it's not good for her to eat so many crumpets, which is apparently the only food Tiny Tina eats.
Who is the voice behind Tiny Tina? ›Tiny Tina is voiced by Ashly Burch. Ashly Burch reprises her role as Tiny Tina for this game. Having played the character since she was first introduced in Borderlands 2, Tiny Tina is one of the staple characters of Burch's career.
Who inherited Ike Turner's estate? ›Who inherited Ike Turner's estate? Ike Turner reportedly didn't have a will at the time of his death. As a result, his children, not his wives or partners, inherited his estate.
What is Tina Turner's husband's net worth? ›Erwin Bach is a German music producer who has a net worth of $200 million. Erwin Bach was born on January 24, 1956, in Cologne, Germany. He is best-known for being in a relationship with legendary musician Tina Turner from 1986 until her death on May 24, 2023.
What did Tina's mother say about Tina? ›Bigg Boss 16: Sreejita De had called Tina Datta a 'homebreaker' in an episode.
When was the last time Tina Turner did a live concert? ›
She was nearly 70, but she managed to play 90 concerts, and she danced throughout every single one of them like she was decades younger. The tour ended on May 5, 2009, in Sheffield, England.
Is the Tina Turner musical closing? ›We are deeply saddened to share the news that Tina Turner has passed away. Performances of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical will continue as planned.
Who is the new Tina Turner actress? ›New production shots have been released for Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, featuring new principals Elesha Paul Moses and Caleb Roberts. Since 29 June, Moses has been sharing the titular role with continuing cast member Aisha Jawando, with Roberts assuming the role of Ike Turner.
How long did Ike and Tina Turner stay married? ›Tina and Ike Turner were married between 1962 and 1976.
How old was Tina Turner when she moved with her mom? ›Turner moved to St. Louis at age 16 to live with Alline and her mother, and began going to the famed East St. Louis venue Club Manhattan, where she first saw Ike Turner & The Kings of Rhythm.
How old was Ike Turner when he died? › Where does Tina Turner have houses? ›Turner and Bach bought a new 24,000-square-foot home on Lake Zurich for an estimated $77 million in 2021, according to Swiss newspaper Handelszeitung.
Has Tina Turner retired from singing? ›Turner announced her retirement in 2000, a year after releasing her final solo album, Twenty Four Seven, though she would return to the stage in 2008, performing at the Grammy awards with Beyoncé, and for a final tour to mark 50 years of her career. That was conclusively the end.
Is Tina Turner still living in France? ›In her retirement, Turner settled in Zurich, Switzerland, and was at her home there when she died this week, her publicist said.
How much is Tina Turner worth today? ›On May 24, 2023, at the age of 83, Tina Turner sadly passed away, leaving behind a lasting legacy. Let's delve into her net worth and the incredible accomplishments that shaped her iconic career. Tina Turner had an estimated net worth of $250 million at the time of her death.
How much money does Tina Turner have? ›
In 2021, Tina Turner sold her music, likeness, and image rights to BMG for a tidy sum of $50 million. This only further added to her $250 million net worth, according to Celebrity Net Worth, and it's clear that the icon's legacy is in a class all by itself. But Tina Turner also has four children as her legacy, as well.
Did Ike and Tina Turner have a child? › Did Tina Turner have a sister? › What caused Ike Turner's death? ›
Addicted to cocaine for at least 15 years, Turner was convicted of drug offenses and served 18 months in prison. After his release in 1991, he relapsed in 2004, dying of a drug overdose in 2007.
Who is Ike Turner married to now? ›On July 27, 1976, Tina filed for divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences. Years later in her 1986 autobiography I, Tina: My Life Story, she alleged that Ike had abused her throughout their marriage.
What has happened to Tina Turner? ›Singer Tina Turner, whose soul classics and pop hits like The Best and What's Love Got to Do With It made her a superstar, has died at the age of 83. Turner had suffered a number of health issues in recent years including cancer, a stroke and kidney failure.
Did Tina Turner have a baby? ›Tina Turner and Ike Turner shared one biological son, Ronnie Turner, who followed his parents into music. Ronnie Turner was a bass player and was in the band Manufactured Funk.