Tina Turner – one of rock’s great vocalists and most charismatic performers – has died aged 83.
In a statement, her spokesperson said: “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.
“With her, the world loses a music legend and a role model.”
‘The world loses a music legend and a role model’ – tributes to iconic singer | Live updates
The US-born star was one of the great female rock singers, known for her electric on-stage presence and a string of hits including The Best, Proud Mary, Private Dancer and What’s Love Got to Do With It.
Turner’s stage presence and dance moves were legendary
She first found fame in the 1960s alongside ex-husband Ike Turner, with the classic song River Deep, Mountain High among their repertoire.
The domestic abuse Ike subjected her to – and her long struggle to get break free – was documented in a 1993 Hollywood film starring Angela Bassett, which won three Oscars.
Turner’s life story was also immortalised in a popular West End show that is still running.
Turner lived in Switzerland with her husband. Pic: AP
The singer’s popularity as a solo artist waned in the 1970s, but her career was resurrected when she signed with Capitol Records in the 1980s.
A hit cover of Al Green’s Let’s Stay Together led to the Private Dancer album in 1984 – which went on to sell more than 10 million copies and established her as a mega-star.
The title track from Private Dancer, as well as What’s Love Got to Do With It, and I Can’t Stand the Rain were among the seven singles from the record.
The Best – with its distinctive intro, steady build and powerful chorus – is probably her most well-known song.
Released in 1989, part of the Foreign Affair album, it’s actually a cover of a song by Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler.
