Tina Turner Read online

  In an event-filled life, Tina finds that she has very few things that she would go back and change. However, she admits, “I regret not having had more time with my kids when they were growing up” (47).

  One of the biggest misconceptions that Tina became aware of was the fact that her public image, as this wild rock & roll entity, was believed to be what she was like in real life. Since she was such a hugely popular star, and because of the controversy that I, Tina and What’s Love Got to Do With It? caused, the public was curious to find out what her personal life was really like. Tina explained, “What got me here was from the life that I live, that I went public with. Before it was raunchy Tina, legs open, her red lips, her long hair. Wild! They just thought that I was just another of those raunchy singers, ’cause no one knew the other side. Only people very close to me knew. I’ve always been very spiritual, but my image—in terms of my work—was very far from that. And then when the book came out, and [TV news show] 60 Minutes filmed me chanting and being into meditation, everybody went, ‘What?’ Everyone started to take a different view” (7).

  In fact, she claims there is not a single sequin in her own personal closet. “I’m not that person. I don’t even wear colors. My work is noisy, but my life is quiet. I need nature and solitude—they nurture me. My idea of a vacation is reading a book on the terrace while my boyfriend cooks us dinner” (41).

  In 1999, Ike Turner published his own autobiography with writer Nigel Cawthorne, entitled Takin’ Back My Name. Instead of publicly apologizing to Tina for his treatment of her, he took the stance that she should share the blame. “If I beat Tina every day, if I did what they say I did, if I fought her every day and she stayed there for eighteen years and she took it, it’s as much her fault as it is mine,” he defiantly proclaimed (17). He also seems amazed that the stars he once appeared on stage with, like The Rolling Stones, won’t even acknowledge his existence. He is astounded that they could have sided with Tina. In 2001, Ike Turner recorded an album called Now and Then, which reprised his hit “Rocket 88.” It received great reviews, and was nominated for a Grammy Award under the category Best Traditional Blues Recording, but failed to win. However, if Tina has worked through all of her “karma,” clearly Ike has never dealt with any of his.

  Tina is finally able to clearly look back at her years with Ike and see them for what they were. “I was a victim,” she admits. “I don’t dwell on it. I was hurt. I’m not proud of being hurt; I don’t need sympathy for it. Really, I’m very forgiving. I’m very analytical. I’m very patient. My endurance is very good. I learned a lot being there with that very sick man” (5).

  She is not one to dwell on her problems or her past. According to her, “I don’t really have any bad times. It looked like bad times from the orthodox way of thinking, but the times without a record have been great for me” (32).

  Explaining her spiritual beliefs, she says, “I’m a Buddhist-Baptist. My training is Baptist. And I can still relate to the Ten Commandments and to the Ten Worlds. It’s all very close, as long as you contact the subconscious mind. That’s where the coin of the Almighty is” (5).

  Tina would rather look forward than to look back. She loves astrology, reading about Ancient Egypt, and fortune tellers. “Psychics are my drug,” she admits. “It is like looking into the past and seeing a wonderful movie of your life that can guide you. My real ultimate goal in life is to open that third eye” (30).

  She feels that it is everyone’s personal quest to work toward bettering themselves. “It’s a strong belief that we cause an effect,” she says. “The cause you make this lifetime could be the effect of a better life the next lifetime. It speaks of chanting this lifetime can help your life to be better the next time, because now you’re clearing up, you’re making your life better, you’re making better causes this lifetime time. So then the next lifetime it will be better, and gets better and better” (16).

  Ms. Turner has very definite ideas about the things she has in her life. With regard to her striking fashion sense and her ability to always look absolutely fabulous, she says, “I am vain. When I look in the mirror, I want to look good to myself” (40).

  With a catalog of hits like hers, what is Tina’s favorite of her own songs? She claims it’s “The Best.” She is also very fond of the video for the song. In the context of the video, she is seen prancing around in the night on the dry, cracked soil of the desert. Shots of her long legs dancing to the song are juxtapositioned with shots of an equally sleek prize race horse. Finally, Tina is seen on horseback—riding this magnificent animal. Of the song’s success, she explains, “It’s very special because at the time when I got it, no one believed in it but me. I organized riding the horse. It was really a struggle with Roger, my manager, and the record company. And they said, ‘What are you going to do with the horse?’ It was a freedom I felt. I felt just riding and that music in the back, and I felt it was would be great for sport, and it ended up in many different countries for sport. I mean—my dream came true with that particular song” (16).

  She had worked hard to get her house in France together, now it was time to enjoy it. Tina is so fond of the home that she has named it “Anna Fleur.” She explains, “I furnished my homes. I got myself organized, so I’m not moving anymore. I’ve gotten to the stage where I don’t want to own a lot in my life. And my families are organized in their places. The house that I own is in the south of France, and the house that I’ve leased for many years is in Switzerland, but they’re all decorated, and I don’t want to move anywhere else, and I look forward to no more workers and no more decorators” (45).

  Tina is perfectly at home in Europe. “If I’m in America for work,” she says, “I find myself hankering to return. I may be an American in a foreign country, but I am very happy, very comfortable, and very contented here. Europe offers me security. It is a place where I have found more success, more appreciation, and that makes me feel comfortable. And of course I am fortunate to have two lovely homes here and this is where my relationship is based” (48).

  One of the most opulent features of Tina’s house in Nice is the Greek amphitheater she had constructed in the backyard. She has hosted some grand parties in this sumptuous setting. The house also has a kitchen with every convenience. She says, “Nowadays, I find extravagant cooking for large groups of people less and less interesting and the preparation involved too much work. Erwin is a very good cook and he does a lot of it. In general, we eat pasta galore, a lot of Thai food, chicken, prawns, and loads of salads” (48).

  One of her favorite things to do is to sit on her patio in Nice and watch rain storms over the Mediterranean. “I know this sounds loony, but this come from my stomach, this love of looking at that type of thing,” she laughs (8).

  Tina is not only loved by her fans and the general public, but she is also one of the most admired and revered celebrities around—according to her peers. “River Deep-Mountain High” producer Phil Spector claims, “She’s the closest thing to a gem—a diamond—I’ve ever seen. She has the roughness, the rawness, she has the beauty. She shines—she’s bright, and most of all, she’s priceless. She is just a gem of a person. Always has been. Always will be. Did not receive the recognition due her until much too late in life. But it is certainly due her in every extent one can possibly have managed. She meant everything, she can do anything, she was like the perfect instrument” (21).

  According to Ann-Margret, “She’s a quadruple threat. She sings, she dances, she acts, she writes music. I mean she does everything! I think she’s one of the most talented people in this world of entertainment. She can do anything.” Al Green glows, “I think Tina Turner is a legend, a personification of a survivor. Tina Turner—unforgettable!” Cher claims, “Ten! I mean you know she’s great. I mean, it’s like there’s only one Tina Turner.” David Bowie extols, “She is great! People go see her for what she represents. She is a phoenix that has risen from the ashes. She has been through far worse than any of us and has been
able to survive it. It is the element of resoluteness and discipline that people respect. I think she has an enormous amount of dignity.” Bryan Adams says, “She’s just a rocker, man. She’s just a rock & roll chick, and she loves rock and I think that’s what drives her.” And, Elton John insists she is “the first real woman rock & roll singer!” (21).

  What’s next for Tina? That’s what everyone wants to know. She may have retired from huge arena tours, but a talent as vast as hers cannot rest for long. Whatever new incarnation she chooses to appear in can only be attention-getting, dramatic, and enthusiastically received. More great music is assuredly in the cards for her.

  In August of 2003 it was announced that Tina would return to the big screen in a new film called The Goddess, to be produced by Ismail Merchant and James Ivory for their famed Merchant Ivory company. She is slated to play the role of Kali. Explains Ivory, Kali is “one of the main Hindu goddesses, sort of a recycler of souls, a destroyer as well as a creator, who wears a necklace of men’s skulls” (49). The role will reportedly find the goddess-like Turner singing and dancing while riding on the back of a tiger. It sounds tailor-made for the ageless Tina!

  Looking at her life so far, Tina feels that it has been one long learning process that has only made her stronger in the transition. “I am happy that I’m not like anybody else,” she proclaims. “Because I really do believe that if I was different I might not be where I am today. If you asked me if I ever stood up for anything—yeah, I stood up for my life” (5).

  Tina Turner is a rare entity in the world of show business. She is a unique singer, a talented actress, an inspiration, a legend, a diva, and one of the most beloved women in rock & roll. The songs she has created have a life all of their own. One cannot think of “River Deep-Mountain High,” “Proud Mary,” “Let’s Stay Together,” “Private Dancer,” “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” or “The Best,” and not think instantly of Tina. Her short skirts, her incredible legs, her wild mane of hair, her unbridled raw energy, and her incredible grace—when all else is said and done, one fact remains: Tina Turner is simply the best.

  Quote sources

  (1) www.TinaTurner.com (accessed May 2003).

  (2) Maureen Orth, “Tina: It Took a Grown-Up Woman to Save Rock and Roll . . . and Soul to Save Herself,” Vogue (May 1985).

  (3) “Tina Turner: Interview with US Magazine,” US (March 2000).

  (4) Tina Turner with Kurt Loder, I, Tina (New York: William Morrow & Company, 1986).

  (5) Maureen Orth, “The Lady Has Legs!” Vanity Fair (July 1993).

  (6) Kurt Loder, “Tina Turner: She’s Got Legs! / “Soul Survivor,” Rolling Stone (October 11, 1984).

  (7) Gerri Hershey, “Tina Turner” (as part of the “Women of Rock” cover story), Rolling Stone (November 13, 1997).

  (8) Gerri Hirshey, “Woman Warrior at 53, the Amazing Tina Turner Just Keeps on Rollin’,” Gentleman’s Quarterly (June 1993).

  (9) Lynn Norment, “Tina Turner Sizzling at 45/What’s Age Got to Do with It?” Ebony (May 1985).

  (10) Joe Smith, ed. Mitchell Fink, Off the Record (New York: Warner Books, 1988).

  (11) David Wallace, “Tina Turner: A Success Story You Won’t Forget,” McCall’s (August 1985).

  (12) Interview with Tina Turner, The Oprah Winfrey Show (February 21, 1997).

  (13) Dominick A. Miserandino, “Ike Turner: Rock and Roll Hall of Famer,” www.CelebrityCafe.com (2000).

  (14) Margaret Moser, “Spotlight: Ike Turner,” The Austin Chronicle (March 16, 2001).

  (15) Rod Harmon, “Ike Turner’s Star Is Rising, Despite Scars of Infamy,” The Miami Herald (April 24, 2002).

  (16) Interview with Tina Turner, Larry King (February 21, 1997).

  (17) Ike Turner, with Nigel Cawthorne, Takin’ Back My Name (London: Virgin Books, 1999).

  (18) Debby Miller, “Tina Turner Returns to the Top of the Charts,” Rolling Stone (August 30, 1984).

  (19) The Best of Tina Turner: Celebrate! Image Entertainment DVD (2000).

  (20) Ike & Tina Turner / River Deep-Mountain High, album liner notes of the 1990s German CD reissue, A&M Records, by Tony Hall.

  Tina Turner: The Collected Recordings—Sixties to Nineties, 1994, Capitol EMI Records, eighty-four-page booklet written by Paul Grien.

  (22) “Letter From The Editor,” by Jann S. Wenner, quoting a performance review from the November 25, 1967 issue of Rolling Stone, “Tina Turner” by Jann S. Wenner, Rolling Stone (November 13, 1997).

  (23) Ben Fong-Torres, “Ike & Tina Turner,” Rolling Stone (October 14, 1971).

  (24) Ann-Margret, with Todd Gold, Ann-Margret My Story (New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1994).

  (25) Time, 1975, as quoted on the DVD packaging of the film Tommy.

  (26) Leonard Maltin, TV Movies 1985–86 (New York: Signet/New American Library Books, 1984).

  (27) Jet, January 9, 1984, “At 45, Sexy Tina Turner Still Makes London Men ‘Break Out in a Sweat.’ ”

  (28) Cathleen McGuigan, “The Second Coming of Tina,” Newsweek (September 10, 1984).

  (29) Brian D. Johnson, “The Comeback Queen of Rock & Roll,” McLean’s (July 22, 1985).

  (30) Carl Arrington, “Mad Max’s Tina Turner/Thunder Dame,” People (July 15, 1985).

  (31) “An Exclusive Visit at Home with Tina Turner,”Life (August 1985).

  (32) David Van Biema, “Tina Turner,” People (December 21-31, 1984).

  (33) The Grammy Awards, 1985, CBS-TV

  (34) Davitt Sigerson, “Tina Repeats a Winning Formula,” Rolling Stone (November 6, 1986).

  (35) Two Rooms, liner notes (Polydor Records, 1991).

  (36) What’s Love Got to Do With It? (Original Soundtrack), liner notes (Virgin Records 1993).

  (37) Roger Ebert review of What’s Love Got to Do With It?, Chicago Sun Times (June 11, 1993).

  (38) Rita Kempley review of What’s Love Got to Do With It?, Washington Post (June 11, 1993).

  (39) Sarah Mower, “Private Tina,” Harper’s Bazaar (December 1996).

  (40) “50 Most Beautiful People: Tina Turner,”People (May 8, 2000).

  (41) Judith Truman, “Architectural Digest Visits Tina Turner,” Architectural Digest (March 2000).

  (42) Galina Espinoza and Fannie Weinstein, “Stage Flight,” People (December 4, 2000).

  (43) Jane Stevenson, “Tina Turns It On: Upbeat, Edgy and a Beat You Can Groove To,” Toronto Sun (January 30, 2000).

  (44) Paul Elliott review of Twenty Four Seven album, Q Magazine.

  (45) Mim Udovitch, “Tina Turner: The Hardest Working Legs in Showbiz Finally Get a Rest,” Rolling Stone (December 14-21, 2000).

  (46) “Still Rollin’: Turner Leads Concert Acts with $80 Mil.” Hollywood Reporter (December 29-31, 2000).

  (47) “Proust Questionnaire: Tina Turner,” Vanity Fair (Februrary 2000). “Tina @ Home: A Visit at Her Mansion in the Mediterranean,” Hello! (November 1999).

  (48) Gregory Kirschling and William Keck, “The Dead Report,” Entertainment Weekly (August 15, 2003).

  Bibliography

  BOOKS

  Ann-Margret with Todd Gold. Ann-Margret: My Story. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1994.

  Maltin, Leonard. TV Movies 1985–86. New York: Signet/New American Library Books, 1984.

  McAleer, Dave. The Book of Hit Singles. San Francisco: Miller Freeman Books, 1999.

  Shore, Michael, with Dick Clark. The History of American Bandstand. New York: Ballantine Books, 1985.

  Smith, Joe, edited by Mitchell Fink. Off the Record. New York: Warner Books, 1988.

  Terrace, Vincent. Encyclopedia of Television Series, Pilots and Specials 1974–1984. New York: Zeotrophe Books, 1985.

  Turner, Ike, with Nigel Cawthorne. Takin’ Back My Name. London: Virgin Books, 1999.

  Turner, Tina, with Kurt Loder. I, Tina. New York: William Morrow & Company, 1986.

  Whitburn, Joel. The Billobard Book of Top 40 Albums. Menomonee Falls, Wisc.: Record Research Inc., 1995.

  ———
. Top 10 Charts. Menomonee Falls, Wise.: Record Research Inc., 2001.

  ———. Top Pop 1955–1982. Menomonee Falls, Wise.: Record Research Inc., 1983.

  ———. Top Pop Albums 1955–1985, Menomonee Falls, Wise.: Record Research Inc., 1985.

  MAGAZINE ARTICLES

  Ali, Loraine. “Ike’s Peak.” Gentleman’s Quarterly, June 2001.

  Arrington, Carl. “Tina Turner: US Interview.” US, November 13, 1989.

  Dougherty, Steve, and Lorenzo Benet. “Soul Star On Ice: Divorced by Tina, Ike Turner Pays for His Romance with Cocaine in a California Prison.” People, September 30, 1990.

  Loder, Kurt. “The Heroes of Thunderdome.” Rolling Stone, August 29, 1985.

  McGuigan, Cathleen, and Tony Clifton. “Rock’s New Women/The Sexy Godmother of Rock.” Newsweek, March 4, 1985.

  Newman, Judith. “Tina’s Turn.” Target the Family, December 2000.

  Windeler, Robert. “Tina Turner, the New Acid Queen, Turns Down the Voltage for a Solo Career Sans Ike.” People, May 5, 1975.

  Discography

  Author’s Note: Having written more than forty books on music stars, I have never seen such a complicated discography as this one. The solo Tina Turner material (starting with Tina Turner Turns the Country On) was very simple to list and pretty straightforward. However, the Ike & Tina discography was quite a jumble. Ike had the habit of changing record labels several times during the duo’s recording career in the 1960s and 1970s. Originally signed to Sue Records in 1960, Ike would accept overlapping advances from other labels, which yielded releases on Warner Brothers, Blue Thumb, Liberty, Teena, Kent, Tangerine, Modern, Loma, Minit, and Fantasy Records. For instance, in 1964, both Warner Brothers and Kent Records released albums entitled The Ike & Tina Turner Show Live, which were completely different material. Also, after Tina Turner left Ike in 1976, Ike continued to sell and release “Ike & Tina” songs from previously recorded sessions. In addition, during their time together, several songs were rerecorded several times by Ike & Tina. For instance, there are at least five different versions of “Fool in Love” that I can find—none of which are the same recording. Likewise, there is the original Phil Spector–produced version of “River Deep-Mountain High” and a clearly different version of the song later produced by Ike Turner. Since few of the original Ike & Tina albums are available—on CD or vinyl—in their original format, what does exist are dozens of compilation albums culled from all of these labels. The most accurate source seemed to come from Ike’s autobiography, which no less than seven different people worked on compiling. There were also several websites that were helpful in rounding out this exhaustive list of Tina’s history on record.