By Professor Chris Imafidon, chair of ExcellenceinEducation.org.uk which inspires every student to play at least two instruments and develop their choral skills. Professor Imafidon states that “Tina Turner taught us all the importance of music – particularly this generation through her words and works, that is why we adopted her song as our unofficial anthem – “SIMPLY THE BEST” This is linked to the #GeniusFormula.
Tina Turner, born Anna Mae Bullock, was a legendary American singer, songwriter, and actress who started singing in the church choir. She was a trailblazer in the music industry, global entertainment, breaking barriers and inspiring generations of artists – black and white. Her music was a fusion of gospel, rock, soul, and R&B, and her electrifying performances made her the undisputed global queen of performance and MONARCH of music. She was an extraordinary teacher, a rare and unique talent, a tough survivor of trials and temptations, a triumphant artist, a tragedy survivor, and a tribute to the power of faith and music.
TEACHINGS:
Tina Turner taught the world, not just the USA, through her eloquent words and powerful works. Her songs were anthems of empowerment, resilience, and hope. She sang about love, heartbreak, and the struggles of life, and her lyrics resonated with people of all ages and backgrounds. She was a mentor extraordinaire, inspiring generations of artists to follow their dreams and never give up. One of her earliest hits was “”What a Friend We Have in Jesus” which she re-mixed and made it the anthem of many schools and colleges.
TALENT:
Tina’s talents were rare as they were unique. Tina Turner’s talent was detected, developed, and deployed by black Christians during the USA’s worst time of racial segregation. She started her career as a backup singer for Ike Turner’s Kings of Rhythm, and later became the lead singer of the group. Her powerful voice and electrifying stage presence made her a super star, and she went on to have a successful solo career. Her talent lightened up the room when she performed “Amazing grace”, a traditional gospel song in secular concert and re-exported the song to the world.
TRIALS:
Tina Turner went through many trials in her life, but as a woman of faith, she overcame them all. She suffered abuse at the hands of her former husband and musical partner, Ike Turner, but she found the strength to leave him and start a new life. She also battled health issues, including cancer, but she never lost her spirit and continued to perform until her retirement. But her rendering of “Walk with me Lord”, redefined the traditional boundaries of secular and spiritual songs.
TEMPTATION:
After achieving global success, Tina Turner was tempted to be arrogant and ignore the fight for black liberation in the country. However, she resisted the temptation and instead teamed up with the civil rights movement of Martin Luther King Jr. to fight for equality. She used her platform to raise awareness about social issues and inspire change.
TRIUMPHS:
Tina Turner overcame many personal, private, and professional obstacles. She became one of the most successful female artists of all time, selling over 100 million records worldwide. She won numerous awards, including 12 Grammy Awards, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She also starred in several films, including Mad Max Beyond Thunder dome and What’s Love Got to Do with It.
TRAGEDY:
Tina Turner suffered many tragic moments and events, including the death of her son, Craig, in 2018. She also suffered from domestic abuse and health issues, but she never let these tragedies define her. Instead, she used them as fuel to inspire others and create music that touched people’s hearts.
TRIBUTES:
Everyone who met Tina Turner or heard her music was impacted by her music and melody but transformed by her lyrics. She was a true icon, and her legacy will live on forever. She inspired generations of artists and fans, and her music will continue to inspire people for years to come.
TINA:
Tina Turner was only her stage name; it was not her birth name. However, she lived a great life, even after moving to Europe. She continued to perform and inspire people, and she became a cultural icon in Europe as well as the USA.
TRAVELLER:
Tina Turner travelled everywhere with her inspirational music and powerful message. She performed in front of millions of people around the world, and her music transcended borders and cultures. She was a global ambassador of music, and her impact on the world will never be forgotten.
TALES:
Each of us has a little story or anecdote linked to her words of music or wisdom, and her gospel songs say it all. Her music was a reflection of her life, and her lyrics were a testament to her resilience and strength. Her songs will continue to inspire people for generations to come.
THRIVING:
Tina Turner endured tough times and turned each tragedy on its head, thriving in all circumstances. She was a true survivor, and her music was a testament to her strength and resilience. She will always be remembered as the queen of music, a true icon, and a legend of our time.
In conclusion, Tina Turner was a true legendary global icon of the music industry, and her legacy will live on forever. She was a TRUE teacher, a UNIQUE talent, a TOUGH survivor of trials and temptations, a triumphant artist, a terrific figure, and a tribute to the power of church music. But her music touched the hearts of millions of faith, and non-faith people around the world, and her impact on the world will never be forgotten. Tina Turner was simply the best, and she will always be remembered as the queen of music. WE SALUTE Tina Turner as the MONARCH of MUSIC marches on, and on and on!!