Jamaican Cookery

I'm sure you've heard the sad news by now: Tina Turner, the legendary singer and feminist icon, has passed away at the age of 83. She was one of my favorite artists of all time, and I want to pay tribute to her amazing life and career.

Tina Turner was born Anna Mae Bullock in 1939 in Tennessee. She started singing with Ike Turner's band in the late 1950s, and soon became his wife and musical partner. Together, they formed the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, which produced hits like "Proud Mary" and "River Deep – Mountain High". But behind the scenes, Tina suffered from Ike's physical and emotional abuse, which she finally escaped in 1976.

After a period of struggle, Tina reinvented herself as a solo artist in the 1980s, with the help of her manager and future husband Erwin Bach. She released her comeback album Private Dancer in 1984, which sold over 20 million copies worldwide and won four Grammy Awards. The lead single "What's Love Got to Do With It" became her first and only number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100. She also starred in movies like Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome and inspired a biopic and a Broadway musical based on her autobiography.

Tina Turner was a force of nature on stage, with her powerful voice, energetic dance moves, and stunning outfits. She was also a trailblazer for women and Black artists, breaking barriers and stereotypes with her style and attitude. She influenced generations of musicians, from Beyoncé to Adele. She retired from touring in 2009, after performing for over 50 years. She spent her last years in Switzerland with her husband, where she became a citizen in 2013.

Tina Turner was a survivor, a fighter, and a queen. She left behind a legacy of music and inspiration that will live on forever. Rest in peace, Tina. You will always be simply the best.