Tina Turner Has Passed Away at 83

Tina Turner, an iconic figure in the music industry renowned for her raspy soulful voice, riveting energy, and charismatic stage presence, passed away on Wednesday at her residence in Küsnacht, Switzerland. She was 83.

Her publicist, Bernard Doherty, confirmed her passing but did not provide a specific cause. Turner had suffered a stroke in the past and had been publicly known to be battling kidney disease and other health conditions. Turner’s career, spanning over half a century, took off in the late 1950s. As a high school student in East St. Louis, Illinois, she began performing with Ike Turner and his band, the Kings of Rhythm. Initially just an intermittent performer, Turner rapidly evolved into the star attraction and eventually Ike’s wife, captivating audiences with her fervent dance style and potent, blues-infused vocals.

In Ike Turner’s autobiography, “Takin’ Back My Name: The Confessions of Ike Turner” (1999), he compared Tina to legendary musician Little Richard. He wrote, “I’d be writing songs with Little Richard in mind, but I didn’t have no Little Richard to sing them, so Tina was my Little Richard. Listen closely to Tina and who do you hear? Little Richard singing in the female voice.”

Two time GRAMMY Award-winner LaTavia Roberson took to Instagram to share her thoughts on Turner’s passing by saying, “I’m so blessed that I had the opportunity to meet this queen before her assignment was over.” She continued, “Rest now the one and only Tina Turner. She earned that name.”

Turner’s magnetic performances and her unparalleled voice made her one of the most successful recording artists of all time. Her enduring strength, in both her personal life and her career, has left an indelible impact on the world of music. Despite the trials she faced, Turner’s legacy will be remembered as one of resilience, inspiration, and an unwavering devotion to her craft.

With her passing, the world has lost a true music legend, but the soul-shaking resonance of Tina Turner’s voice, her sexual magnetism, and her electrifying persona will forever live on in her songs and the hearts of her fans.