The passing of a legend

Tina Turner's passing was confirmed by her representative to the media. She passed away peacefully at her home in Küsnacht near Zurich (Switzerland) after a long illness, at the age of 84.

The singer's Instagram account posted the sad news with a heartfelt tribute: "We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Tina Turner. With her music and endless passion for life, she captivated millions of fans around the world and inspired future stars. Today, we say goodbye to a dear friend who left behind all her greatest works: Music. Our sincere sympathies go out to her family. Tina, we will miss you very much."

"Queen of Rock and Roll" Tina Turner. Photo: Getty Images

Tina Turner, whose real name is Anna Mae Bullock, was born on November 26, 1939 in Brownsville, Tennessee, in the southern United States. As a singer, dancer, actress and writer, she is one of the most famous female artists with a series of hit songs and many memorable roles in movies.

With worldwide album and single sales of approximately 100 million copies, Tina Turner is one of the world's best-selling music artists. She is known for her dynamic stage performances, powerful voice and long career, earning her the title " Queen of Rock and Roll ". She is the recipient of 8 Grammy Awards out of 25 nominations, 3 Grammy Hall of Fame Awards and 1 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Tina Turner was ranked number 63 on Rolling Stone Magazine's list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time" and number 17 on the "100 Greatest Singers of All Time". She was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1986. Tina Turner is also one of the few artists to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, first with her ex-husband and musical partner Ike Turner in 1991 and again in 2021 as a solo artist.

Tina Turner began her performing career at the age of 16. A few years later, she met Ike Turner and his band Kings of Rhythm and joined them under the stage name Tina Turner. Together, they recorded many hits in the 1960s, including “A Fool in Love,” “It’s Gonna Work Out Fine,” “I Idolize You,” and “ River Deep - Mountain High .” The couple married in 1962 and divorced after 16 years of marriage when Tina accused him of physical abuse, years of infidelity, and drug and alcohol addiction.

After the divorce, the artist left the stage for a few years, temporarily stopping her career. In 1982, she made a spectacular comeback with the album " Private Dancer " which included hits such as " Let's Stay Together " and "What's Love Got To Do With It" . The album was certified platinum, won four Grammy Awards and sold more than 20 million copies worldwide. By then, Tina was in her 40s, becoming more famous for her energetic performances, husky voice and iconic style.

Tina Turner performs in Zurich, Switzerland, in 2011. Photo: Reuters

In 2009, Tina Turner officially retired from her career after completing her “ Tina!: 50th Anniversary Tour ,” one of the highest-grossing tours of all time. In 2013, the singer married German music producer Erwin Bach after dating him for 27 years. She renounced her American citizenship and moved to Switzerland to live in a castle with her husband. During this time, Turner faced many health problems.

Mourning the talent of a generation

US President Joe Biden, former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, and many celebrities have paid tribute to Tina Turner. President Joe Biden praised Turner as a “ generational talent ” and praised the power of personality of the singer who “ changed American music forever .” “ Before she became the Queen of Rock and Roll, Tina Turner was the daughter of a Tennessee farmer. As a child, she sang in her church choir before becoming one of the most successful recording artists of all time,” Biden wrote.

In a statement, US President Biden said: " Overcoming adversity, including abuse, she built a career, a life, and a legacy that was entirely her own."

Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama also praised the power of “Queen of Rock and Roll” Tina Turner, who spoke and sang her truth through joy and pain; success and tragedy.

Meanwhile, former US President Bill Clinton recalled meeting the singer. The first time was in 1984 and again on her 67th birthday at a charity event in Russia with music legend Elton John. " I love Tina Turner and will never forget meeting her when I came to Little Rock for a concert after she released Private Dancer in 1984. We met again on her 67th birthday in St. Petersburg, where she and Elton John sang at a charity event. She is still there - talent, style, energy and authenticity - a priceless gift to music lovers everywhere."

Former US Vice President Al Gore also praised the singer Turner's " persistence and talent ". He said that growing up in a small town, "it was her strength, perseverance and unwavering talent that made her a global icon".

In 2005, former US President George W. Bush described Turner's legs as " the most famous in showbiz" and it was reported that she had insured them for hundreds of millions of dollars.

Tina Turner is an icon in rock music. Photo: Getty Images

Singer Mariah Carey wrote: " The words legend, icon, diva and superstar are often overused but Tina Turner was all of those things and so much more - an incredible performer, songwriter, pioneer. To me, she will always be alive and an inspiration to women everywhere. Her music will continue to inspire generations to come." " Tina Turner, we celebrate you! Your legacy will live on forever. You showed us all what it means to have courage and determination to never stop, no matter what life throws at us!", singer and actress Jennifer Hudson wrote.

Singer and actress Bette Midler wrote on her Twitter page that Tina Turner was a brilliant performer and an inspiration to many. " May the angels sing her to rest in peace but I know Tina Turner will be the main vocalist," Midler wrote.

LINH AN (Synthesis)