Music Icon Tina Turner Dead at 83

Pop, Rock and R&B icon, Tina Turner has died at age 83 after a long illness.

Tina Turner, the unstoppable singer and stage performer who teamed with husband Ike Turner for a dynamic run of hit records and live shows in the 1960s and ’70s and survived her horrifying marriage to triumph in middle age with the chart-topping “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” has died at 83.

Turner died Tuesday, after a long illness in her home in Küsnacht near Zurich, Switzerland, according to her manager. She became a Swiss citizen a decade ago.

Few stars traveled so far — she was born Anna Mae Bullock in a segregated Tennessee hospital and spent her latter years on a 260,000 square foot estate on Lake Zurich — and overcame so much. Physically battered, emotionally devastated and financially ruined by her 20-year relationship with Ike Turner, she became a superstar on her own in her 40s, at a time when most of her peers were on their way down, and remained a top concert draw for years after.

Read the full obit at the Associated Press

Turner’s career spanned decades and included classic songs such as “Proud Mary,” “Nutbush City Limits,” “River Deep, Mountain High,” and her 80’s hits after a major comeback, “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “We Don’t Need Another Hero,” “Private Dancer,” “The Best,” “Better Be Good to Me,” and a cover of Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together,” among others.

So many talent show contestants covered Tina Turner songs, it’s hard to pick a handful to post. “Proud Mary” and “River Deep Mountain High,” were popular, as were her 80’s hits.

American Idol season 11 runner-up Jessica Sanchez. Little Steven from the E Street band helped Jimmy Iovine mentor the contestants at the Top 5. When Jessica revealed her song choice, Little Steven said straight up that he planned to talk her out of it. Heh. He changed his mind eventually. Originally a Creedence Clearwater Revival song, Ike and Tina sang it so often on variety shows back in the 70s, the song became kind of a punchline. Oversaturation and her abusive husband, Ike, calling the shots, is to blame, not Tina’s talent.

American Idol season 10 singer PIa Toscano covered “River Deep Mountain High.” at the Top 9. Wil.i.am served the guest mentor. It was her first time performing an uptempo number, and oops. She was eliminated the next night! But still, a great performance.

The Voice singer Kimberly Nichole memorably covered “Nutbush City Limits,’ and it’s pretty great.

The Voice 2020 contestant Desz wowed the coaches and fans alike with “What’s Love Got to Do with It”

About mj santilli 35105 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!