Tina Turner has become more than just a musical superstar and sex symbol, though she is definitely both of those things. For me -- and I imagine for millions of others -- Tina now stands as an enduring symbol of survival and of grace. Her music is a healing thing.

Remember that famous introduction to "Proud Mary," when Tina talks about liking things "nice and...rough"? We all know that she faced some rough times in her life. Yet the reality is that life never threw this woman anything that she couldn't handle. One of Tina's big hits is called "We Don't Need Another Hero." Yet the truth is we really do need heroes, and Tina has become a heroic figure for many people, especially women, because of her tremendous strength. Personally, Tina doesn't seem to have a beginning or an end in my life. I felt her music was always there, and I feel like it always will be.

The story of Tina's rise and fall with Ike Turner is well-known, and you can see what it was like in the movie What's Love Got to Do With It. But now I believe it's time to put the Ike story to rest. The truth of the matter is that when Tina came back in the Eighties, she became much bigger than she ever was the first time around. Ultimately, Tina's story is not one of victimhood at all but one of incredible triumph.

In the beginning, Tina's music was based on hard times, hard truths and harsh realities. Think about a song like "Nutbush City Limits." That was her story. But over the years her story changed, and her music reflected those changes beautifully. Tina has the ability to dream, get out, get over and get on with it. She's transformed herself into an international sensation -- an elegant powerhouse. But wherever she may be, whether it's in Spain, Asia or Egypt, she's never forgotten her humble beginnings. Tina Turner knows who she is, and to this day, she remains one of the true greats. In every sense, the woman has legs.

[From Issue 946 — April 15, 2004]

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