087 Simply the Best (Tina Turner)

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Who was Tina Turner?

Tina Turner, born Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939, in Nutbush, Tennessee, was an iconic singer, songwriter, and actress whose powerful voice and dynamic stage presence made her a global music legend. Known as the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll," Turner overcame personal hardships to become one of the best-selling recording artists of all time.

Turner's career began in the late 1950s when she joined Ike Turner's band, the Kings of Rhythm, and soon rose to fame as part of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. Their hits like “River Deep – Mountain High” and “Proud Mary” brought them widespread success. However, Tina's marriage to Ike was marred by abuse, and she bravely left him in 1976, starting her solo career with only 36 cents in her pocket.

Her comeback came in the 1980s with the release of her album Private Dancer (1984), which sold over 10 million copies worldwide. Hits like "What's Love Got to Do with It" and "Better Be Good to Me" made her a household name. She went on to win eight Grammy Awards and sold over 100 million records, becoming one of the best-selling female artists in music history.

Beyond music, Tina Turner also starred in films such as Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985), further cementing her cultural impact.

Tina Turner retired from performing in 2009 but remained an enduring symbol of resilience and empowerment. She passed away on May 24, 2023, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the greatest entertainers of all time.