HOME > Tina Turner Original Name
Early Life and Career
Tina Turner was born Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939, in Nutbush, Tennessee. She grew up in a small town and was raised by her grandmother after her parents separated when she was a young child. As a teenager, she moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where she met Ike Turner, a musician who would become her mentor and later her husband.
The Name Change
When Anna Mae Bullock began performing with Ike Turner's band, she was given the stage name Tina Turner. The name was inspired by Sheena, Queen of the Jungle, a popular comic book character at the time. Ike Turner believed that the name Tina would be more marketable than Anna Mae, which he felt was too plain and ordinary. Tina Turner initially resisted the name change, but eventually agreed to it.
Impact on Career
The name Tina Turner would prove to be a turning point in Anna Mae Bullock's career. As Tina Turner, she became a dynamic performer known for her powerful voice, electrifying stage presence, and signature dance moves. She and Ike Turner had a string of hits in the 1960s and 1970s, including "A Fool in Love," "River Deep - Mountain High," and "Proud Mary." Tina Turner's success as a solo artist in the 1980s and 1990s further cemented her status as a rock and roll and R&B icon.
Personal Life
Tina Turner's personal life has been marked by both triumph and tragedy. She endured years of physical and emotional abuse at the hands of Ike Turner, which she detailed in her autobiography, "I, Tina." She eventually left Ike and went on to marry Erwin Bach in 2013. Tina Turner has also faced health challenges, including a stroke and cancer, but has continued to perform and inspire fans around the world.
Legacy
Tina Turner's impact on the music industry is undeniable. She has sold over 100 million records worldwide and has won numerous awards, including 12 Grammy Awards. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991 and has been recognized as one of the greatest singers of all time by publications such as Rolling Stone and VH1. Tina Turner's legacy as a trailblazer for women in music and a symbol of resilience and strength continues to inspire generations of fans.
