Tina Turner – one of rock’s great singers and most charismatic performers – has died aged 83.
In a statement, her spokesperson said: “Tina Turner, the ‘Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll’ died peacefully today at the age of 83 after a long illness at her home in Kusnacht near Zurich. , in Swiss.
“With her, the world loses a music legend and role model.”
“The world is losing a music legend and a role model” – tributes to an iconic singer | Live updates
The US-born star was one of rock’s great singers, known for her electric stage presence and a string of hits including The Best, Proud Mary, Private Dancer and What’s Love Got to Do With It.
Among the first to pay tribute were Bryan Adams, the White House and Gloria Gaynor.
Ike and Tina Turner with the Ikettes in 1976. Pic: AP
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 violence he inflicted on her – and her long struggle to break free – was documented in a 1993 Hollywood film starring Angela Bassett, which won three Oscars.
Turner’s life story was also immortalized in a popular West End show which is still running.
Turner lived in Switzerland with her husband. Photo: 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 album Private Dancer in 1984 – it sold over 10 million copies and established her as a mega-star.
Tina Tuner meets the King, then Prince Charles, at a screening of the James Bond film Goldeneye.
Tina Turner performs a concert in Cologne, Germany, in 2009. Photo: AP
Private Dancer’s title track, along with What’s Love Got to Do With It, and I Can’t Stand the Rain were among the record’s seven singles.
His best-known song – with its distinctive intro, steady build and powerful chorus – is probably The Best.
Released in 1989 as part of the album Foreign Affair, it is actually a cover of a song by Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler.
Proud Mary is also an established classic, with Turner performing rhythmic dance moves to her “rolling on the river” chorus well into her 70s during live shows.
The star became a Swiss citizen ten years ago and has lived on a sprawling estate with her husband and former EMI record executive Erwin Bach.
