Tina Turner: The Voice That Shook The World

She sang the lyrics to the Thunderdome anthem with absolute conviction: 'We don’t need another hero'— and she was right, because as far as musical heroes go they definitely don't make them like Tina Turner anymore.

She's an original.

Before auto-tune, before silicone and Spotify, the one thing singers needed to make it in the biz, was raw talent. Not only did Tina Turner have it, her voice so utterly unique and electrifying, it could move mountains.

I don't know what came over me when I learned about her death. I felt compelled to stop whatever I was doing and to reflect on what she meant to me, and maybe to women everywhere, who know her story.

Death has a funny way of bringing things into focus: Whenever I watch Tina perform, what resonates the most is her resilience, her strength, her unbreakable spirit. She's owns the stage, and captures audiences in a way that made us forget how difficult must it have been for her to cultivate her power amid all the odds that were stacked against her in the 50's and 60's. The racism, the misogyny, the abuse dealt at the hand of the man she entrusted her life to, who, instead of being her rock, was so antagonized by her insurmountable talent, he did whatever he could to break her.

Except...Tina wouldn't submit. She overcame, outlived and outshone, rising above unimaginable adversity to meteoric success. Where most of us would crumble, she rose to her potential beaming, with a smile.

She knew what she was put on this earth to do and no one would stop her. No one would break her soul.

She fought her battles in silence. In fact, most people weren't aware of her struggle until it inspired the 1993 biopic, What's Love Got To Do With It - Directed by Brian Gibson, where Angela Bassett powerfully portrayed the Tina we know now. The warrior, battling her way through the quiet turbulence of an abusive marriage.

She never claimed her victimhood, instead she unleashed her voice onto the world as the instrument it is, and strictly in service of her music. She fought her corner, and left her imprint on humanity as the undisputed Queen Of Rock & Soul - In the wake of her death, let's set the record straight:

Tina Turner is one of the most powerful and distinctive voices in music history.

Tina Turner: The Stuff Of Legends.

Her signature raspy, soulful vocals are instantly recognizable, and her ability to convey emotion through her singing is unparalleled. From the soulful ballads of the 1960s to the rock anthems of the 1980s, Tina's voice has remained a fixture throughout her career.

Her signature dance moves and high-energy performances are unlike anything the music industry had seen before, and she quickly became known for her ability to electrify audiences and leave them wanting more. Tina's energy and enthusiasm are infectious, and her performances are unique and breathtaking.

Tina's stage presense was never self-consciousness, never contrived, it was strictly about the music. Whether she's belting out a rock anthem or crooning a soulful ballad, Tina's voice has a raw power that can bring audiences to their feet and leave them spellbound.

She was loved for more than the music.

Born Anna Mae Bullock, Tina's early years in the music industry were marked by abuse and exploitation, but she refused to let these experiences define her. Instead, she used her talent and drive to rise above the challenges and become one of the most successful and beloved artists of all time.

Tina's personal struggles and triumphs have also made her an inspiration to millions of fans around the world. Her story of overcoming adversity and achieving success through hard work and perseverance has resonated with people from all walks of life, and she has become a symbol of hope and empowerment for women, people of color, and anyone who has ever faced obstacles on their path to success.

Tina Turner's impact on the music industry cannot be overstated. She has sold over 200 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time. She has won 12 Grammy Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991. Her music has influenced countless artists across genres, and her signature style and dynamic performances have become the stuff of legends.

Tina Turner's music career began in the 1950s, when she joined the Ike Turner Revue. The duo became known for their high-energy performances and soulful music, and Tina quickly became the star of the show. However, it wasn't until the 1960s that Tina Turner truly began to shine as a solo artist.

In 1960, Tina released her first solo single, "A Fool in Love," which became an instant hit. The song showcased Tina's powerful vocals and her ability to connect with her audience. Over the next few years, Tina continued to release hit after hit, including "River Deep, Mountain High" and "Proud Mary."

However, it wasn't just Tina's music that made her a star. Her electrifying performances and iconic style also played a significant role in her success. Tina's signature dance moves and high-energy performances were unlike anything the music industry had seen before, and she quickly became known for her dynamic stage presence.

In the 1980s, Tina Turner's career reached new heights with the release of her album "Private Dancer." The album featured hit songs such as "What's Love Got to Do with It" and "Better Be Good to Me," and it cemented Tina's status as a music icon. The album went on to win four Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

Tina's impact goes beyond her music. She has been an inspiration to generations of artists, breaking down barriers and paving the way for female musicians to succeed in a male-dominated industry. Her signature style and dynamic performances have influenced countless artists, and her music continues to resonate with fans around the world.

Legends Live Forever. Thank you, Tina Turner.