Simply the Best

Tina Turner, one of the highest-paid and most popular artists of her time, lived an extraordinary life filled with both incredible success and profound challenges. Her dazzling and triumphant career spanned half a century, marked by personal hardships and iconic achievements.

Her name was Anna

On November 26, 1939, Anna Mae Bullock was born into a farmer's family in the small town of Nutbush, Tennessee. From a young age, she displayed a natural talent for singing and quickly gained local acclaim through performances at her Baptist church and neighborhood picnics.

At 16, Anna moved to St. Louis with her mother and sister, Alline. One evening, they visited the Manhattan Club, where Anna first encountered Ike Turner and the Kings of Rhythm. Ike often invited women from the audience to sing during the show, and when he heard Anna’s voice, he was stunned. Soon after, they became friends and colleagues, with 18-year-old Anna joining Ike's act as a lead vocalist and performer.

Ike & Tina Turner, 1962

The birth of Tina Turner

In 1960, following the success of the chart-topping song A Fool in Love, Anna adopted the stage name Tina Turner. Ike rebranded their group as Ike & Tina Turner Revue. However, troubling signs in their relationship soon emerged. Ike trademarked the name "Tina Turner," ensuring sole control over it.

Ike & Tina Turner, 1966

Their relationship was plagued by abuse. Despite enduring constant violence, Tina married Ike in 1962. In 1966, the talented duo caught the attention of The Rolling Stones, who invited them to tour. However, success did little to improve their relationship, as violence and betrayal persisted.

Tina juggled performing with raising four children—two from Ike’s previous relationships and two of their own. By 1976, she had reached her breaking point and left Ike for good. The divorce was grueling; Tina forfeited all property and income, keeping only her stage name, which she fought to retain over two years.

Ike & Tina Turner, 1974

A comeback story

In 1980, Tina met producer Roger Davies, who helped her launch a solo career. A year later, she bravely spoke publicly about the abuse she endured during her marriage. Her bold admission was groundbreaking for the time, earning widespread public sympathy and admiration for her resilience. Tina’s career began to soar.

Her achievements included hit albums like Private Dancer and Foreign Affair, collaborations with Rod Stewart, Lionel Richie, and Bryan Adams, tours with The Rolling Stones, numerous Grammy Awards, and a recording with David Bowie.

In 2000, Tina’s world tour grossed nearly $100 million, and in 2005, her greatest hits compilation achieved platinum status.

Tina Turner, Tulane Stadium, 1970

The challenges of success

Despite her glittering career, life continued to test Tina. In 2016, she was diagnosed with intestinal cancer. Following surgery and chemotherapy, her kidneys failed. Her second husband, Erwin Bach, donated one of his kidneys, and the transplant was successful.

Tragedy struck again in 2018 when her eldest son, Craig, took his own life. Tina was devastated, as he had always seemed cheerful and showed no signs of depression. In 2022, her second son, Ronnie, passed away due to a disease caused by substance abuse.

A forever legend

Tina Turner, a symbol of freedom and strength, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Rolling Stone magazine named her one of the greatest singers of all time.

On May 24, 2023, at the age of 85, Tina Turner passed away, leaving an indelible legacy in the history of global music.