Tina Turner, the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Passes Away
Tina Turner, renowned as the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, has sadly passed away, leaving the world in mourning for the loss of this legendary performer. Fans from all over are coming together to share their cherished memories of her.
Prince William, the future king, has a particularly special memory involving Tina Turner that involves his late mother, Princess Diana. In a previous interview, he revealed that he, his mother, and his brother Harry once listened to Tina Turner’s music in the car. He even shared his favorite song from her repertoire.
“When I was younger, Harry and I, we were at boarding school. My mother used to play all sorts of songs to kind of while away the anxiety of going back to school,” Prince William reminisced. “And one of the songs I massively remember and has stuck with me all this time, and I still, to this day, still quite enjoy secretly, is Tina Turner’s ‘The Best’ because sitting in the backseat, singing away, it felt like a real family moment.”
The world was deeply saddened by the news of Tina Turner’s passing earlier this week. The renowned singer, born Anna Mae Bullock, peacefully left this world at the age of 83 in her adopted homeland near Zurich, Switzerland.
Confirming her passing, Turner’s spokesperson expressed, “With her, the world loses a music legend and a role model. With her music and her inexhaustible vitality, Tina Turner thrilled millions of fans and inspired many artists of subsequent generations.”
A statement on her official Instagram account reads: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tina Turner. With her music and her boundless passion for life, she enchanted millions of fans around the world and inspired the stars of tomorrow.”
Needless to say, the music industry immediately joined together to remember Tina Turner with fondness. Mick Jagger took to Twitter to express his sadness, writing, “I’m so saddened by the passing of my wonderful friend Tina Turner. She was truly an enormously talented performer and singer.”
Lionel Richie shared his sentiments, saying, “What a life! What a show! What a talent! Your resilience was a lesson for us all. I will miss you, my dear friend! Thanks for the memories…”
Oprah Winfrey, who was both a fan and a friend, wrote a heartfelt tribute: “I started out as a fan of Tina Turner, then a full-on groupie, following her from show to show around the country, and then, eventually, we became real friends. She is our forever goddess of rock ‘n’ roll who contained a magnitude of inner strength that grew throughout her life.
“She was a role model not only for me but for the world. She encouraged a part of me I didn’t know existed… I am a better woman, a better human, because her life touched mine. She was indeed simply the best.”
Tina Turner’s Remarkable Life and Musical Legacy
Tina Turner, born on November 26, 1939, in the small rural town of Nutbush, Tennessee, faced humble beginnings. After her parents moved to work in a new factory, she and her elder sister Aillene were sent to live with their strict, religious grandparents.
Turner’s reunion with her family after World War II marked the beginning of her singing journey at the local church. She later became a cheerleader in high school and worked as a nurse. It was during a visit to a nightclub that she met Ike Turner and became the singer in his band, “The Kings of Rhythm.”
Her first recording as a backing singer came in 1958, and she released her debut song with Ike, “Fool in Love,” two years later. Tina’s career soared to great heights after collaborating with Phil Spector and his legendary “Wall of Sound.”
Throughout her illustrious career, Tina Turner delivered numerous hits, including “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” “I Can’t Stand the Rain,” “We Don’t Need Another Hero,” “Nutbush City Limits,” and “(Simply) The Best,” selling over 100 million records. She mesmerized audiences worldwide and quickly became an icon for millions.
In 1989, Turner had the honor of being a special guest at the Royal Variety Performance at the London Palladium, attended by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
Interestingly, Tina Turner played a part in the lives of another royal family.
Prince William’s Emotional Memory of Tina Turner and Princess Diana
Prince William, a devoted fan of Tina Turner, shared a poignant memory of how her music helped him remember his mother, Princess Diana. He revealed that “The Best” holds a special place in his heart as it reminds him of his childhood and the moments when his mother played the song in the car to alleviate his anxiety.
“My mother, she’d be driving along, singing at the top of her voice. And we’d even get the policeman in the car; he’d be occasionally singing along as well,” Prince William fondly recalled.
The prince added, “When I listen to it now, it takes me back to those car rides and brings back lots of memories of my mother.”
William and his brother Harry have frequently spoken fondly about their mother, sharing anecdotes that illustrate her loving and playful nature.
At the 20th anniversary of Diana’s passing in 2017, the two brothers reminisced about their beloved mother. Prince Harry described her as one of the naughtiest parents who would attend their football matches and hide candy in her socks, filling her shirt with sweets.
William expressed his gratitude for the love they felt from their mother, saying, “It feels like a good time to remember her and hopefully provide a different side. It was that love, even though she was on the other side of the room, as her son you could feel it.”
Insights into William and Harry’s Childhood through Diana’s Letters
As members of the Royal Family, Prince William and Harry experienced a unique upbringing filled with responsibilities. However, letters written by Princess Diana offer glimpses into their childhood and the special bond between the two brothers.
A letter written by Diana in March 1985, just six months after Harry’s birth, reveals William’s adoration for his little brother. The handwritten letter, sold at an auction in 2017, states, “William adores his little brother and spends the entire time swamping Harry with an endless supply of hugs and kisses, hardly letting the parents near!”
In other letters, Diana shared stories of Prince Harry getting into trouble at school and expressed the joy she found in motherhood. She also alluded to the challenges she faced during that period of her life.
Princess Diana always aimed to be the best mother she could be and recognized that her sons would occasionally quarrel with each other. Royal historian Robert Lacey revealed that Diana wanted William and Harry to promise to remain best friends throughout their lives.
According to psychic Simone Simmons, who used to consult Diana, she asked her sons to make a solemn pledge: “You must promise me that you will always be each other’s best friends and never let anyone come between you.” William and Harry made that promise, sealing it with a high-five and a big cuddle for their mother.
Unfortunately, at the time of writing, the relationship between Prince William and Prince Harry is strained. However, perhaps a reunion and a car ride listening to Tina Turner’s greatest hits could help mend their bond and guide them toward reconciliation.
Rest in peace, Tina Turner. Share this article on Facebook with friends and family to honor her and her remarkable legacy.