Tina Turner Dies: Iconic Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll Was 83

Legendary singer Tina Turner has died. The Grammy-winning performer was 83 years old.

News of Turner’s death was shared in a statement by her spokesperson, Bernard Doherty who said, “With her, the world loses a music legend and role model.” She died at her home in Küsnacht near Zurich, Switzerland after a long illness.

Born Anna Mae Bullock in Nutbush, Tenessee in 1939, Tina Turner is referred to as the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. She began her career in 1957 with Ike Turner’s Kings of Rhythm. The pair later went on to become the Ike & Tina Turner Revue releasing hits ranging from “It’s Gonna Work Out Fine” and “River Deep, Mountain High” to “Proud Mary” before they disbanded in 1976.

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Her vivacious live performances and vocal range established Tina Turner as a great artist, performing alongside artists such as the Rolling Stones, Rod Stewart, and Chuck Berry among others over the years. Following the disbanding of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, the couple divorced in 1978.

In Tina’s 1986 autobiography, I, Tina, she revealed publically that Ike was physically abusive in their relationship which was later depicted in the 1993 film What’s Love Got to Do with It, which is also the title of one of her biggest hit songs. Ike died in 2007 from an overdose, stemming from a long-term cocaine addiction.

In the years following her and Ike’s divorce, Tina rebuilt her career, making a comeback with the release of her album Private Dancer which spawned six hit singles including “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” which would become a go-to tune in her repertoire moving forward. The five-times platinum album eventually went on to win her three Grammys, including Record of the Year for the aforementioned, “What’s Love Got to Do with It.”

Overall, Tina received 12 Grammys throughout her career. In the late 2000s, Tina moved towards retirement, making small appearance such as performing with Beyonce and surprising Oprah Winfrey on The Oprah Winfrey Show.