By Kopano Dibakwane
One of the greatest rock & roll icons of our time, Tina Turner, has passed away at the age of 83, following a reported long battle with intestinal cancer.
The sad news of Tina’s passing was widely announced on Wednesday and messages of condolences have since flooded all mainstream and social media platforms.
She was born Anna Mae Bullock on 26 November 1939 in Brownsville, Tennessee (United States of America). He music career started in 1957 as the lead singer of Kings of Rythm, which was a group launched by her former notorious husband Ike Turner. The couple married in 1962, but later divorced in 1978 due to the continuous severe physical abuse she suffered at the hands of Ike.
The divorce affected Tina’s career, but she later made the biggest comeback in the history of music in 1984, through the release of her album “Private Dancer”. The album featured her classic record “What’s love got to do with it” which went on to win a Grammy award for record of the year.
She followed up with hit singles such as “Golden eye”, “We don’t need another hero” and “I don’t wanna fight”. Tina acted in movies such as “Mad max beyond Thunderdome” and the adaptation of her autobiography “What’s love got to do with it”.
She is one of the highest selling artists of all time with over 100 million records sold, 12 Grammy awards, including two more accolades for Lifetime achievement and Hall of fame.
She was blessed with four children. She went on to marry Erwin Bach in 2013 and officially became a citizen of Switzerland until her passing.
Tina Turner will be remembered for her humble beginnings, her ability to overcome the stigma of victimhood and her unshakable ability to smile against all odds. She’s officially the eternal queen of rock & roll.
Her electric stage performances, stern vocal capabilities and ageless beauty will live on in the minds of fans all over the world. Rest in peace Anna Mae, you’ve played your part!
