Tina Turner: A Tribute to the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll

Tina Turner, the undisputed queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, passed away on May 24, 2023, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and entertain generations to come. This tribute page is dedicated to celebrating her life, her music, and her indomitable spirit.

Early Life and Career

Born Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939, in Nutbush, Tennessee, Tina Turner’s journey to stardom was far from easy. Abandoned by their parents, Tina and her elder sister, Alline, moved to St Louis, Missouri, where they encountered Ike Turner and his band, the Rhythm Kings.

Tina’s powerful voice and charismatic stage presence soon caught Ike’s attention, and she became a part of his band, later known as the Ike and Tina Turner Revue.

Top 50 Songs

Tina Turner’s discography is a testament to her talent and versatility. Here are her top 50 songs, each a masterpiece in its own right:

1. “What’s Love Got to Do With It”
2. “Proud Mary”
3. “The Best”
4. “Private Dancer”
5. “River Deep, Mountain High”
6. “Nutbush City Limits”
7. “We Don’t Need Another Hero”
8. “Better Be Good to Me”
9. “Let’s Stay Together”
10. “I Don’t Wanna Fight”
11. “GoldenEye”
12. “Typical Male”
13. “Missing You”
14. “Steamy Windows”
15. “I Can’t Stand the Rain”
16. “Addicted to Love”
17. “One of the Living”
18. “Two People”
19. “Love Thing”
20. “On Silent Wings”
21. “Something Beautiful Remains”
22. “Why Must We Wait Until Tonight”
23. “Open Arms”
24. “When the Heartache Is Over”
25. “Whatever You Need”
26. “I Want You Near Me”
27. “It’s Only Love”
28. “Tonight”
29. “Break Every Rule”
30. “Paradise Is Here”
31. “Foreign Affair”
32. “Look Me in the Heart”
33. “Be Tender with Me Baby”
34. “Way of the World”
35. “Love Thing”
36. “I Don’t Wanna Lose You”
37. “You Know Who (Is Doing You Know What)”
38. “Ask Me How I Feel”
39. “Falling Like Rain”
40. “I Want to Take You Higher”
41. “Rock Me Baby”
42. “Disco Inferno”
43. “A Fool in Love”
44. “It’s Gonna Work Out Fine”
45. “Stay Awhile”
46. “Bold Soul Sister”
47. “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long”
48. “Come Together”
49. “Shake a Tail Feather”
50. “Funkier Than a Mosquito’s Tweeter”

Musical Theatre Performances

Tina Turner’s charisma and talent also found a home in the world of musical theatre. She played the role of the Acid Queen in Ken Russell’s film adaptation of The Who’s rock opera, “Tommy” (1975). Her performance was one of the few critically acclaimed moments of the film.

Lyrics to Her Top 5 Songs

“What’s Love Got to Do With It”

You must understand

Though the touch of your hand

Makes my pulse react

That it’s only the thrill

Of boy meeting girl

Opposites attract

It’s physical

Only logical

You must try to ignore

That it means more than that

Oh what’s love got to do, got to do with it

What’s love but a second hand emotion

What’s love got to do, got to do with it

Who needs a heart

When a heart can be broken…

“Proud Mary”

Left a good job in the city

Workin’ for the man ev’ry night and day

And I never lost one minute of sleepin’

Worryin’ ’bout the way things might have been

Big wheel keep on turning

Proud Mary keep on burning

And we’re rolling, rolling Rolling on the river…

“The Best”

I call you when I need you, my heart’s on fire

You come to me, come to me wild and wired

Oh, you come to me, give me everything I need

Give me a lifetime of promises and a world of dreams

Speak a language of love like you know what it means

And it can’t be wrong, take my heart and make it strong, babe

You’re simply the best, better than all the rest

Better than anyone, anyone I’ve ever met

I’m stuck on your heart, I hang on every word you say

Tear us apart, baby, I would rather be dead…

“Private Dancer”

All the men come in these places

And the men are all the same

You don’t look at their faces

And you don’t ask their names

You don’t think of them as human

You don’t think of them at all

You keep your mind on the money

Keeping your eyes on the wall

I’m your private dancer, a dancer for money

I’ll do what you want me to do

I’m your private dancer, a dancer for money

And any old music will do…

“River Deep, Mountain High”

When I was a little girl I had a rag doll

Only doll I’ve ever owned

Now I love you just the way I loved that rag doll

But only now my love has grown

And it gets stronger, in every way

And it gets deeper, let me say

And it gets higher, day by day

And do I love you my oh my

Yeah, river deep, mountain high

If I lost you would I cry

Oh how I love you baby, baby, baby, baby…

“Nutbush City Limits”

A church house, gin house

School house, outhouse

On highway number nineteen

The people keep the city clean

They call it Nutbush

Oh, Nutbush

They call it Nutbush city limits

Nutbush city…

Unusual Facts

1. Tina Turner was born Anna Mae Bullock and took her stage name from her ex-husband Ike Turner.
2. She moved to Switzerland in 1994 and gave up her American citizenship in 2013.
3. Tina Turner was a practicing Buddhist and chanted daily.
4. She met her second husband, Erwin Bach, at a record label party in London in 1985.
5. Tina Turner’s legs were insured for $3.2 million in the 1990s.
6. She was the oldest woman to be featured on the cover of Vogue at the age of 73.
7. Tina Turner once worked as a nurse’s aide at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.
8. She has sold more concert tickets than any other solo performer in history.
9. Tina Turner’s life story was made into a successful biopic, “What’s Love Got to Do with It” in 1993.
10. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.

Little Known Facts

1. Tina Turner’s mother, Zelma Bullock, was a seamstress and her father, Floyd Bullock, was a farm overseer
2. She started singing in the church choirat a young age in Nutbush, Tennessee.
3. Tina Turner was discovered by Ike Turner at a club in St. Louis.
4. She initially performed under the name “Little Ann” before adopting the stage name Tina Turner.
5. Tina Turner’s first hit song with Ike Turner was “A Fool in Love” in 1960.
6. Despite their professional success, Tina and Ike’s marriage was marred by domestic abuse.
7. Tina Turner attempted suicide during her marriage to Ike Turner.
8. After her divorce from Ike, Tina Turner struggled financially and even used food stamps to support her children.
9. Tina Turner’s comeback in the music industry began with a remake of Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” in 1983.
10. Her album “Private Dancer” released in 1984 was a massive success, winning four Grammy Awards.
11. Tina Turner starred opposite Mel Gibson in the film “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome” in 1985.
12. She published her autobiography, “I, Tina”, in 1986.
13. Tina Turner was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, once with Ike Turner in 1991 and then as a solo artist in 2021.
14. She embarked on her final tour, the “Tina! 50th Anniversary Tour”, in 2008.
15. Tina Turner was a practicing Nichiren Buddhist and released several spiritual music albums.

Conclusion

Tina Turner’s life was a testament to resilience, talent, and the power of music. From her humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her rise as the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, her journey was marked by trials and triumphs. Her music, imbued with her unique energy and spirit, continues to inspire millions around the world.

As we remember Tina Turner, we celebrate not just her music, but also her strength, her courage, and her unwavering determination to live life on her own terms.

FAQs

1. When was Tina Turner born? Tina Turner was born on November 26, 1939.
2. Where was Tina Turner born? She was born in Nutbush, Tennessee.
3. When did Tina Turner pass away? Tina Turner passed away on May 24, 2023.
4. What was Tina Turner’s real name? Tina Turner’sreal name was Anna Mae Bullock.
5. Who was Tina Turner’s husband? Tina Turner was married twice. Her first husband was Ike Turner and her second husband was Erwin Bach.
6. What were some of Tina Turner’s most popular songs? Some of her most popular songs include “What’s Love Got to Do With It”, “Proud Mary”, “The Best”, “Private Dancer”, and “River Deep, Mountain High” among others.
7. What awards did Tina Turner win? Tina Turner won numerous awards throughout her career, including eight Grammy Awards.
8. Did Tina Turner act in any movies? Tina Turner acted in the film “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome” in 1985.
9. What was Tina Turner’s last tour? Tina Turner’s last tour was the “Tina! 50th Anniversary Tour” in 2008.