Tina Turner, Iconic Singer-Songwriter, Dies at 83

It has been reported that the beloved singer, songwriter and performer Tina Turner has passed away at the age of 83. The news from Ms. Turner’s estate reads as follows:

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. 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. (Photo: © Peter Lindbergh)

Turner leaves behind a stunning collection of music and film. In 1960, the duo of Ike and Tina Turner released hits like “It’s Gonna Work Out Fine”, “River Deep - Mountain High”, “Proud Mary”, and “Nutbush City Limits” before disbanding in 1976. Her solo album, 1984’s Private Dancer, went multi-platinum and featured the smash hit “What’s Love Got To Do With It”, winning the Grammy Award for Record of the Year . Many other hits from her extensive catalogue included “Better Be Good To Me”, “Private Dancer”, “We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)”, “Typical Male”, “The Best”, “I Don’t Wana Fight”, and “GoldenEye”. In 1988, Turner set the then-Guinness World Record for the largest paying audience for a solo performer, playing to a crowd of 180,000 during her “Break Every Rule World Tour”.

On the silver screen she appeared in films like Tommy in 1975 and Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome in 1985. 1993’s What’s Love Got To Do With, a film based on Turner’s autobiography I, Tina, , received critical acclaim and box office success upon release, grossing $61 million against a budget of $15 million. Angela Bassett portrayed Tina Turner, while Laurence Fishburne portrayed Ike Turner; both actors received numerous awards and nominations, with both receiving a nomination at the following year’s Academy Awards.

Turner is one of the best-selling record artists of all time, with over 100 million records sold worldwide, and 12 Grammy Awards received throughout her lifetime. She retired in 2009 after completing her 50th anniversary tour. In 2005, Turner was a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors and Women of the Year Awards.