Tina Turner is a renowned international female rock star with a career spanning nearly five decades. Her sultry, powerful voice, captivating stage presence, and unforgettable story have cemented her legendary status. Born Anna Mae Bullock, she grew up in the segregated South, abandoned by her parents at a young age, and eventually moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where she discovered her passion for music.
At 16, she began performing with Ike Turner's Kings of Rhythm, showcasing her natural talent. Ike drafted her to record "A Fool in Love," which became a hit, and she soon became a permanent fixture in his band. They married, had two sons, and toured extensively, performing in R&B and soul venues.
The Ike and Tina Turner Revue gained popularity, with Tina's electrifying stage presence being the driving force. Their 1966 recording of "River Deep, Mountain High" was a commercial flop in the US but a massive hit in Europe, launching Tina's European superstar status. Despite Ike's violent behavior, the Revue continued to tour and record, with Tina becoming the star of the show.
After years of misery and a failed suicide attempt, Tina fled the marriage in 1976, leaving behind a life of abuse and neglect. She began rebuilding her career, performing in substandard gigs and eventually landing a spot on Olivia Newton-John's concert tour. This led to her being taken on by Roger Davies, who helped her rise to fame.
The European release of her cover of Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" in 1983 marked a turning point in her career. The song became a hit, and she was soon signed to Capitol Records. Her album "Private Dancer" was a huge success, spawning the hit single "What's Love Got to Do with It?" and earning her four Grammy Awards.
Tina continued to thrive, releasing hit albums, starring in films, and touring the world. She released her autobiography, "I, Tina," and the biopic "What's Love Got to Do with It" chronicled her life. After her "Twenty Four Seven Millennium Tour" in 2000, she announced her retirement from the concert stage but continued to record and perform on a smaller scale.
In 2005, at the age of 65, she released a career retrospective, "All the Best," which reached #2 on the American album chart, her highest ever placing. She was honored with the Kennedy Center Honors, recognizing her excellence in the arts. Tina Turner will always be remembered as a dynamic live performer and recording artist, able to thrill audiences like no other woman in music history. She is the undisputed Queen of Rock and Roll.
