NewsBite

Updated

Tina Turner dead aged 83: World mourns the ‘Queen of Rock and Soul’

Beyonce has posted a heartbreaking tribute as the world’s biggest stars honour “Queen of Rock and Soul” Tina Turner. See more.

Maria Bervanakis, Adella Beaini and Zoe Smith
6 min read
May 25, 2023 - 2:22PM
News Corp Australia Network
Legendary queen of rock and roll Tina Turner dies aged 83

Some of the world’s biggest stars have paid tribute to music legend Tina Turner after her death at the age of 83 following a long illness.

Tributes poured in from celebrities and world leaders after publicist Bernard Doherty confirmed the news, which he said had robbed the world of “a music legend and a role model.”

Mr Doherty said Turner died after a long illness at her home in Kusnacht near Zurich, Switzerland. He gave no details of the illness.

Tina Turner performs on stage at Wembley Arena during her Private Dancer tour in 1985. Picture: Pete Still/Redferns
Tina Turner performs on stage at Wembley Arena during her Private Dancer tour in 1985. Picture: Pete Still/Redferns

Roger Davies, Turner’s Australian manager for three decades, reminisced about her as “an unmatched force of nature whose strength, energy, and towering talent made her unique.”

“Since our first encounter in 1980, she possessed an unwavering belief in herself when the world seemed hesitant,” he said.

“All of us at Warner Music are deeply saddened by the passing of the one and only Tina Turner. A global icon and trailblazer, instantly recognisable by her incredible voice and inimitable style, she was one of the greatest stars of all time.”

Chief executive officer of recorded music at Warner Music Group Max Lousada said the label offered “heartfelt condolences” to Turner’s family and friends.

“Even after the countless awards, the 180 million album sales, the record-breaking tours, and unforgettable acting roles, Tina will be remembered most through the sheer joy of her music,” Mr Lousada said.

“So powerful is her extraordinary, universal appeal that there is no doubt she will continue to influence generations to come. She stands as the epitome of artistic self-empowerment.”

Tina Turner, in 1964, thrilled fans for decades with her incredible voice and powerful stage presence. Picture: Getty Images
Tina Turner, in 1964, thrilled fans for decades with her incredible voice and powerful stage presence. Picture: Getty Images

Sir Elton John said Turner was a “total legend on record and on stage”.

“We have lost one of the word’s most exciting and electric performers. A total legend on record and on stage. She was untouchable,” he wrote.

“Condolences to Erwin and her family. The saddest news.”

Sir Elton John says Tina Turner was “untouchable”. Picture: John/Singer Turner/Singer
Sir Elton John says Tina Turner was “untouchable”. Picture: John/Singer Turner/Singer

Beyonce, who performed with Turner at the 2008 Grammys, wrote on her website: “My beloved queen. I love you endlessly. I’m so grateful for your inspiration, and all the ways you have paved the way.

Beyonce and Tina Turner perform at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards in 2008. Picture: . AP
Beyonce and Tina Turner perform at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards in 2008. Picture: . AP

“You are strength and resilience. You are the epitome of power and passion. We are all so fortunate to have witnessed your kindness and beautiful spirit that will forever remain. Thank you for all you have done.”

Angela Bassett, who received an Oscar nomination for playing Turner in What’s Love Got to Do With It, shared a statement with the Hollywood Reporter.

Tina Turner poses at home for a portrait in December 1984 in Los Angeles, California. Picture: Aaron Rapoport/Corbis/Getty Images
Tina Turner poses at home for a portrait in December 1984 in Los Angeles, California. Picture: Aaron Rapoport/Corbis/Getty Images

“I am honoured to have known Tina Turner,” she said. “I am humbled to have helped show her to the world. So on today, while we mourn the loss of this iconic voice and presence, she gave us more than we could have ever asked. She gave us her whole self.

“And Tina Turner is a gift that will always be ‘simply the best.’ Angels, sing thee to thy rest … Queen.”

Fellow singer Gloria Gaynor took to Instagram to hail Turner’s mould-breaking career.

“I am so, so very sad to hear of the passing of Tina Turner, the iconic, legend who paved the way for so many women in rock music, black and white,” she wrote.

“She did with great dignity and success what very few would even have dared to do in her time and in that genre of music.”

Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger lamented the loss of “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.”

In 2017, Turner revealed that she had taught the Stones frontman how to dance, schooling him in the 1960s move the Pony.

Bandmate Ronnie Wood called her “the Queen Of Rock And Soul and a dear friend.”

Former Beatle Ringo Starr posted: “God bless Tina Turner, peace and love to all her family” while guitar legend Eric Clapton posted a picture of himself performing on stage with Turner that was simply captioned: “RIP Tina”.

Chaka Khan wrote on Instagram: “Tina Turner had an album titled BREAK EVERY RULE – that summed up her life & career. She did not let any “rules” or labels stop her. She may have left this plane, but her spirit & voice are immortal.”

Dolly Parton referenced Turner’s song Proud Mary by writing: “Now she’s rollin’ rollin’ rollin’ on to glory. Roll on Tina. We will always love you!”

Blondie‘s Debbie Harry shared that she was the “benefactor of the energy, creativity and talents of Tina Turner”.

Canadian rocker Bryan Adams, who duetted with Turner on It’s Only Love, paid a moving tribute.

“I’ll be forever grateful for the time we spent together on tour, in the studio and as friends,” he wrote, along with a sweet photo of the pair together.

“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.”

Superstar Sir Rod Stewart, who covered the song It Takes Two with Turner, said he was left “devastated” by the passing of his friend.

Famed rock photographer Anton Corbijn described the singer as “a ball of positive energy and a serene Buddhist at the same time”.

Martha Stewart paid tribute to “Goddess” Turner by sharing a sweet photo of the two legends snuggled in bed.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to the iconic singer who “overcame trauma” and providing a “soundtrack to our lives”.

Former US president Barack Obama described Turner as “powerful” and “unstoppable”.

“She was unapologetically herself—speaking and singing her truth through joy and pain; triumph and tragedy,” he tweeted.

“Today we join fans around the world in honoring the Queen of Rock and Roll, and a star whose light will never fade.”

Hip-hop star Nicki Minaj hailed Turner’s “legacy of of brilliance and resilience”.

They may have had a difficult relationship at points that ended up in their tour being cancelled, but Elton John says he still considers Turner to be “one of the world’s most exciting and electric performers.”

He posted a photo of the pair on Instagram alongside a caption: “We have lost one of the world’s most exciting and electric performers. A total legend on record and on stage. She was untouchable.”

Spice Girl Mel B said she was watching Tina the Musical with domestic abuse charity Women‘s Aid the night before Turner’s passing.

Like Turner, Mel B has also been a victim of domestic abuse and campaigns for better education and awareness around the issue.

“I cried, I sang along to every word, every song,” she wrote on Instagram.

“I celebrated her fight and all her glory, the story of Anna Mae Bullock, who made her life mean something, no matter the pain or the struggle.

“She became such an icon, a legend, suffering two decades of abuse from her then-husband.

“She did the impossible, she left him, she survived, she got away, and gave ALL survivors like me hope - so to hear of her passing right now is beyond devastating to me personally.

“I’m literally at a loss for words right now.”

Singer Mariah Carey also paid tribute to the star.

Basketball legend Magic Johnson posted a picture with the songstress, whom he said was “one of my favorite artists of all time”.

“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,” he tweeted.

Singer Ciara tweeted: “Heaven has gained an angel. Rest in paradise Tina Turner. Thank you for the inspiration you gave us all.”

Actor Forest Whitaker praise Turner’s “voice, her dancing, and her spirit.”

But he also hailed her ability to bounce back, in a nod to the difficulty of escaping her troubled marriage to Ike.

“As we honour her, let’s also reflect on her resilience, and think about all the greatness that can follow our darkest days. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us, Tina.”

English crooner Rick Astley tweeted “What a woman, what a life, what a voice! One of the GREATS!” while NASA declared that Turner’s “legacy will forever live among the stars.”

Originally published as Tina Turner dead aged 83: World mourns the ‘Queen of Rock and Soul’

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

More related stories

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/tina-turner-dead-aged-83-world-mourns-for-the-queen-of-rock-and-soul/news-story/1d4770f0bc1c0f7c729724b9b81ba648