Following the passing of Tina Turner at the age of 83, celebrities and fans alike have come forward to pay heartfelt tributes to the soul star renowned for her chart-topping hits such as “The Best” and “What’s Love Got to Do With It.”
Beyoncé, recognizing Turner’s unmatched prowess, described her as the “epitome of passion and power.” Sir Mick Jagger fondly remembered her as a “wonderful friend” and an incredibly talented performer.
Notable figures like Mariah Carey and Oprah Winfrey praised Turner’s resilience as a survivor who triumphed over years of domestic abuse. The Obamas expressed admiration for her ability to authentically convey her experiences of both joy and pain through her music.
Joining in commemorating Turner’s extraordinary legacy, President Joe Biden acknowledged her humble beginnings as a farmer’s daughter and hailed her as a “once-in-a-generation talent.”
IMAGE SOURCE,REUTERS Image caption, Beyoncé performed with Turner at the 2008 Grammy Awards
On Wednesday, the publicist for the legendary singer confirmed her passing. While no specific cause was disclosed, it was known that she had encountered various health challenges in recent years, including a stroke and kidney disease.
Recognized as the Queen of Rock and Roll, she commanded the stage with a fiery presence and left an indelible mark as an extraordinary vocalist of her era.
Her journey in the music industry began in the 1950s, gaining prominence as part of the Ike Turner Revue, and later achieving newfound success as a solo artist in the 1980s.
US singer Gloria Gaynor said Turner “paved the way for so many women in rock music, black and white”.
“She did with great dignity and success what very few would even have dared to do in her time and in that genre of music. “
Another contemporary, Diana Ross, said she was “shocked” and “saddened” by Turner’s death; while Dionne Warwick remembered her as an “eternal ball of energy”.
Mick Jagger, who often collaborated with Turner, wrote on Twitter: “I’m so saddened by the passing of my wonderful friend Tina Turner.
“She was truly an enormously talented performer and singer. She was inspiring, warm, funny and generous. She helped me so much when I was young and I will never forget her.”
Sir Elton John called Turner a “total legend on record and on stage”.
He said: “We have lost one of the word’s most exciting and electric performers… She was untouchable.”
Welsh star Dame Shirley Bassey recalled how Turner “really gave it her everything and was a fantastic performer”.
Born in Tennessee and raised in the church, Turner basically elbowed her way into rock ‘n’ roll and rose to fame in the 1960s.
When Ike Turner refused to give her an audition, she waited for the intermission in his show, grabbed a drummer’s microphone and let rip.
She sang with the band for the rest of the night, and soon got equal billing with Ike – later marrying her co-star.
“When Ike heard me, he said, ‘My God!'” she told People magazine in 1981. “He couldn’t believe that voice coming out of this frail little body.”
They became one of the most watchable, combustible bands on the soul circuit; and many of their hits were covers of other people’s material.
From Proud Mary to Get Back, via Whole Lotta Love, Turner made the songs her own, bringing an unforgettable rasp and a powerful female perspective to those rock and roll standards.
John Fogerty, the former Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman who wrote Proud Mary, tweeted: “So deeply sad to hear about Tina Turner’s passing… I loved her version of Proud Mary! It was different and fantastic. I was also so happy because she chose my song and it was her breakthrough record.”
The star was left penniless after divorcing Ike Turner in the 1970s, but she went on to achieve even greater success as a solo artist, with hits including What’s Love Got To Do With It, Let’s Stay Together, The Best Steamy Windows, Private Dancer and James Bond theme GoldenEye.
A number of Wednesday night’s tributes referred to her escape from her husband’s abuse.
The charity Women’s Aid was among those to quote one of Turner’s songs, saying: “She will always be simply the best.”
TV presenter Oprah Winfrey cited Turner’s “courage”, adding: “Her life became a clarion call for triumph.”
In an effusive message, singer Mariah Carey called Turner not only an “incredible performer” but also a “survivor and an inspiration to women everywhere”.
Beyoncé, another younger star who was influenced by Turner, wrote on her website: “My beloved queen. I love you endlessly.
“I am so grateful for your inspiration, and all the ways you have paved the way. You are strength and resilience. You are the epitome of passion and power.
“We are all so fortunate to have witnessed your kindness and beautiful spirit that will forever remain. Thank you for all you have done.”
Singer PP Arnold – who performed alongside Turner – told the BBC that the two women’s relationship had “changed my life” and saved her from an abusive teen marriage.
Numerous other musicians including Janelle Monáe, Dolly Parton, Blondie’s Debbie Harry and Sir Tom Jones were quick to hail the late performer’s achievements.
She won eight Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2021 as a solo artist, having earlier been inducted alongside Ike.