The world is mourning the loss of the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Heartfelt posts from Tina Turner’s fans and loved ones, including Angela Bassett, Magic Johnson and Tina Lawson, have been pouring in since the news of her death broke.
Bassett earned an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Turner in the 1993 film “What’s Love Got To Do With It.” On Instagram Bassett paid tribute to the icon with a post showing the two women laughing together.
“Through her courage in telling her story, her commitment to stay the course in her life, no matter the sacrifice, and her determination to carve out a space in rock and roll for herself and for others who look like her, Tina Turner showed others who lived in fear what a beautiful future filled with love, compassion, and freedom should look like,” Bassett wrote.
Performers Influenced by Tina Turner
The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer was legendary, and her influence in the industry spanned far and wide. In honor of the trailblazing singer, 21Ninety is looking back at some of the powerhouse performers influenced by Tina Turner.
Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson lists Tina Turner as one of her influences. She says the legendary singer is an inspiration for her, professionally and personally.
“For me — and I imagine for millions of others — Tina now stands as an enduring symbol of survival and grace. Her music is a healing thing,” Jackson explained.
Beyonce
Beyonce is one performer who Tina Turner greatly influenced with her onstage performances and aesthetics. The duo even teamed up for a joint performance at the 2008 Grammys. During her 2005 tribute to Turner at the Kennedy Center Awards, Beyoncé spoke about how the superstar impacted her.
“Every now and then, when I think of inspiration, I think of the two Tinas in my life — that’s my mother, Tina, and of course, the amazing Tina Turner,” Beyoncé said.
Tina Lawson, Beyoncé’s mother, paid tribute to Turner after her death was announced. In an Instagram post, Lawson shared behind-the-scenes video from the duo’s Grammy performance. In it you see Beyonce excitedly going to greet Turner. The two hugged as Beyoncé placed her head on Turner’s shoulder.
“We all witnessed Beyoncé, turning into a five-year-old actually skipping across the floor to embrace her,” Lawson wrote.
Tracy Chapman
Without Tina Turner, the world would have never experienced Tracy Chapman. Like Turner, Chapman was a Black woman who succeeded in a white-male-dominated category, rock. Chapman also loves blues like Turner.
Fantasia Barrino
Fantasia Barrino’s soulful voice is similar to Turner’s. She’s admitted that she was heavily influenced by Turner. Barrino has performed numerous tributes to the legend, including a rendition of “Proud Mary.”
Rihanna
Rihanna has been known to follow Tina Turner’s aesthetic with her iconic shaggy blonde hair-do.
Jennifer Hudson
Although most people associate Jennifer Hudson with the late Aretha Franklin, some Tina Turner influences are noticeable. Additionally, J. Hud’s music is deeply rooted in Black gospel and blues.
Janelle Monáe
In 2018, Janelle Monáe mentioned how the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll” was her hero. She even had screensavers of Turner at the time. It is not a shock that Monáe loves Turner. Like songstress, Monáe is a Black performer who does not neatly fit into the box of R&B or pop.
The loss of Tina Turner is a massive blow to the industry. Her legacy will not be forgotten.