At 18, Anna Mae Bullock met Ike Turner and by the time she was 22, he had changed her name to Tina Turner and made her into a star. They were married two years later.
In 1966, with the historic recording of the Phil Spector production, “River Deep, Mountain High” the Ike and Tina Turner Revue had finally crossed over successfully. It became the start of Tina’s European superstar status, and her problems with Ike.
Husband-and-wife R&B duo Ike & Tina Turner pose for a portrait with their back-up dancers ‘The Ikettes’ in 1971, while Ike was actually still married to his previous wife.
In 1976, after years of misery and a failed suicide bid due to Ike’s domestic abuse, Tina finally fled the marriage and the group with the now-famous 36 cents and a Mobil gasoline credit card.
In 1980, Tina’s profile began to rise, and performances alongside the likes of Rod Stewart and The Rolling Stones introduced her to the rock market she always wanted to pursue.
Tina Turner performs “Proud Mary” in 1971 in a glitzy bold barely-there Bob Mackie creation, showing off her trademark legs.
Tina Turner plays the Acid Queen in the 1975 musical movie “Tommy,” based on the rock opera on The Who’s classic album.
Tina Turner strikes a fierce pose in a breathtaking costume during a solo European tour in 1983, that became a major turning point in her career.
In 1984 Tina Turner staged a “comeback” with her hit “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” off her album “Private Dancer,” that sold more than 11 million albums worldwide.
In 1983, posing with Lionel Richie, Tina Turner won four Grammys that night. She has won a total of nine Grammy Awards in her career.
Tina Turner performs “What’s Love Got To Do With It” on a TV show on May 2, 1984 in Los Angeles.
Tina Turner poses on the cover of Rolling Stone in 1984, showing the world her legendary legs and measurements of 34-26-38.
Tina Turner performing live onstage with her massive hair at the Wembley Arena in 1985 during her “Private Dancer” Tour.
In 1985, crossover artist Tina Turner appeared in “Mad Max: Beyond the Thunderdome” which grossed $36 million worldwide, and is still one of her favorite films.
Tina Turner and Mick Jagger perform at Live Aid Concert in 1985. Jagger then said, “I’ve learned a few things from Tina.”
Internationally famous musicians gather for the Prince’s Trust 10th Anniversary Rock Gala at Wembley, 23rd June 1986. From left to right (top row) Mark King of Level 42, Ray Cooper, Bryan Adams, Midge Ure, John Illsley, Joan Armatrading, Paul Young, Rick Parfitt; (middle row) Francis Rossi, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler; (front row) Rod Stewart, Paul McCartney, Tina Turner, Phil Collins, Howard Jones.
Tina Turner posing in front of a brick wall in London, 1993. The same year Angela Bassett played Turner in the cult classic “What’s Love Got To Do With It?”
Tina Turner has sold more concert tickets than any other female performer in history, here she gives it all to the audience during her 50th Anniversary Tour.
Tina Turner proves she still has it on stage with singer Beyonce Knowles at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center on February 10, 2008 in Los Angeles.
After 50 years in the music business, Tina Turner is the world’s most successful female rock artist ever.
Singer Tina Turner attends the Emporio Armani show as part of Milan Fashion Week Womenswear Autumn/Winter 2011 in Milan, Italy.
