Tina Turner tributes: the music world remembers iconic singer, who dies aged 83
Tina Turner, the American-born Swiss singer widely dubbed the ‘Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll’, has died aged 83.
“Tina Turner, the ‘Queen of Rock’n Roll’, has died peacefully today at the age of 83 after a long illness in her home in Kusnacht near Zurich, Switzerland,” a statement from the singer’s spokesperson read. “With her, the world loses a music legend and a role model.”
Turner’s illustrious career began in 1957 when she joined Ike Turner’s Kings of Rhythm. Under the name Little Ann, she made her debut in 1958 with the record Boxtop. In 1960, she emerged as Tina Turner, achieving success with the hit duet ‘A Fool in Love’.
The duo Ike & Tina Turner became world renowned for their explosive live performances, delivering hits like ‘It’s Gonna Work Out Fine’, ‘River Deep – Mountain High’, ‘Proud Mary’, and ‘Nutbush City Limits’ before disbanding in 1976.
Following the tragic news, tributes have started pouring in from all corners of the world from famous fans and fellow entertainers.
A black and white photograph of Turner was posted on her official Instagram account. The caption read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tina Turner. With her music and her boundless passion for life, she enchanted millions of fans around the world and inspired the stars of tomorrow”.
It added: “Today we say goodbye to a dear friend who leaves us all her greatest work: her music. All our heartfelt compassion goes out to her family. Tina, we will miss you dearly.”
The tributes were led by The Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger, who shared a series of photos of Turner including one of the pair performing together. He captioned the post: “I’m so saddened by the passing of my wonderful friend Tina Turner. She was truly an enormously talented performer and singer. She was inspiring, warm, funny and generous. She helped me so much when I was young and I will never forget her.”
Roger Davies, Tina Turner’s manager of 30 years, paid tribute to the star, saying: “Tina was a unique and remarkable force of nature with her strength, incredible energy and immense talent. From the first day I met her in 1980, she believed in herself completely when few others did at that time. It was a privilege and an honour to have been a close friend as well as her manager for more than 30 years. I will miss her deeply.”
British broadcaster and journalist Piers Morgan was among the first to pay his respect to the music icon. Tweeting a photograph of Turner bowing on stage, Morgan wrote: “RIP Tina Turner. Simply, the best.”
Former First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon meanwhile posted a similar tribute to Morgan, referencing the late singer’s 1989 classic, ‘The Best’: “She was simply the best.”
Paddy McGuinness wrote: “What a shock. Another great leaving us. When Icons pass away it really resonates. RIP Tina Turner.”
Fellow musician Bryan Adams tweeted: “My condolences to Erwin and Tina’s family. I’ll be forever grateful for the time we spent together on tour, in the studio and as friends. Thank you for being the inspiration to millions of people around the world for speaking your truth and giving us the gift of your voice. It’s Only Love and that’s all.”
British post-punk duo Sleaford Mods wrote in a Twitter tribute: “RIP Tina. This video is perhaps a little obvious to mark her passing but the dance sequence between her and the two backing singers greatly influenced my tootsies back in the day. A chaotic, roughly choreographed display of unmatched beauty.”
Esteemed actor Michael Warburton posted a video of Turner performing ‘Proud Mary’, captioning: “RIP the pioneering, massively talented, and legendary TINA TURNER.”
Fellow actor George Takei added: “A true legend has passed. Tina Turner has died at the age of 83. She was our River Deep and our Mountain High, the Private Dancer in our hearts. She showed us that love really does has everything to do with it, and that we really did need another hero. And she was it. Rest now, Proud Mary. Raise your voice high in the heavens.”
Basketball player Magic Johnson posted a photo of himself with Turner on Twitter, captioning: “Rest in peace to one of my favorite artists of all time, the legendary queen of rock n’ roll Tina Turner. I’ve seen her many many times and hands down, she gave one of the best live shows I’ve ever seen. She always gave you your moneys worth.”
Singer Tom Jones shared an image of the pair duetting and wrote on Twitter: “Tina, an incredible woman, a genuine singer, a one of a kind talent, I am honoured to have known her. RIP Tina”
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