Today we are talking about a gal who went from picking cotton in Nutbush, TN to an icon on stage and screen. There were many hardships and if you haven’t heard her story get ready for a tale of a survivor with a soundtrack to go along with it. On episode #39 we’re talking the life and legacy of your gal, Tina Turner.

Learn About Tina in less than 2 Minutes

Full Episode

YouTube Version

Show Notes & Extra’s

• What Leah and Phoebe knew of Tina before researching
• Born as Anna Mae Bullock.
• She grew up moving many times, living with different relatives and seeing her mother leave to save herself from abuse.
• In St. Louis meeting the King of Rhythm Band which included Ike Turner
• “Little Anna” first credit on a record in 1958 with “Box Tops” by Kings of Rhythum
• Moved to the front of the band after “A Fool in Love” was a hit

• Ike Turner gave Anna a stage name of “Tina Turner” without her knowledge or permission.  (Video source: Oprah’s Next Chapter Interview)
• Ike started to beat Tina and according to her own words “instilled fear” in her
• To avoid public confusion in 1962 Tina and Ike were married in Mexico.
• Working with Phil Spector
• Teaching Mick Jagger how to dance
• Suicide Attempt
• “Proud Mary” reaching #4 on Billboard and earning a Grammy

• 1976 Tina leaves Ike and fights to keep her name.
• 1984 Comeback with the album Private Dancer.
• “What’s Love Got to Do with it” hits #1

• Movie and TV show appearances
• More albums and world tours up to the age of 70!
• Awards won
• Her Buddhist practice (Source: Living Buddhism Magazine Interview)
• Becoming a Swiss citizen
• Her 27 year relationship and eventually marriage to Erwin Bach
• Tina’s Legacy.  (Video Source: Oprah’s Next Chapter)
• What can we learn from Tina Turner?

Also In Our Gals Who Rock Series

• Joan Jett
• Sister Rosetta Tharpe
• Prologue to Gals Who Rock

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