Tina Turner – one of modern music’s great vocalist and rock legends – has died at the age of 83. The Private Dance singer suffered a number of health issues in recent years including kidney failure, a stroke and cancer.
Turner solidified Black women’s stake in rock ‘n roll. She carried the name ‘Queen of Rock ‘n Roll’ proudly through her famed raunchy, charismatic stage performances. She complimented her style with her powerful, husky vocals.
RELATED STORY: Tributes to the Queen of Rock Tina Turner
Music stars and celebs share happy memories
Among the first to offer heartfelt tributes were Sir Mick Jagger, Diana Ross, Sir Elton John, Giorgio Armani and Bette Midler. “She was truly an enormously talented performer and singer,” said Jagger. He described Turner as “warm, funny and generous”. Jagger says that Turner helped him when he was young, “I will never forget her”, he said.
Beyonce called Turner her “beloved queen”. She posted a top page tribute on her website, writing, “I love you endessly”. She thanked Turner for her inspiration and “all the ways you (Turner) paved the way”.
Sir Elton John took to social media to post a picture of himself and the rock legend. He remarked her as “untouchable” and a “legend on record and on stage”.
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Legendary talk show host, Oprah Winfrey, offered a heartfelt message on Instagram. She called Turner a “real friend” and a “goddess” of rock ‘n roll. “Tina lived out of the box and encouraged me and every woman to do the same,” she wrote.
Winfrey also adds that Turner was “simply the best”.
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The Queen of Rock ‘n Roll
After two decades working with her abusive husband, Ike Turner, she broke out alone and became one of the most defining pop icons in the 80s. While her popularity waned in the 1970s, he career was dramatically resurrected in 1983 when her cover of ‘Let’s Stay Together’ went viral. Then in her 40s, she signed a new contract which led to the successful Private Dancer album.
Her manager of 30 years, Roger Davies, called her a “remarkable force of nature”. He remarked her as someone with “incredible energy and immense talent”. He said he would miss her deeply.