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Legendary Tina Turner has died at 83. Here are some of the Rock n' Roll Queen's most badass moments

She was simply the best.

tina turner

She is simply the best.

The explosive, soulful, magnetic Tina Turner has died at 83. Though the cause of her death was not disclosed, a statement on her Instagram announced that the prolific singer and legendary live performer has passed away at her home in Küsnacht, Switzerland, near Zurich.

News of the devastating loss has prompted an outpouring of tributes on social media, including celebrities sharing how much Turner’s work has influenced them.

Angela Bassett, who portrayed the music icon in the 1993 biopic “What's Love Got to Do with It,” said in a statement that she was "honored to have known Tina Turner."

"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," Bassett wrote on Instagram, "Tina Turner showed others who lived in fear what a beautiful future filled with love, compassion, and freedom should look like."

Other music industry greats like Diane Warren, Mick Jagger, Rick Astley and Alicia Keys paid their respects.

A Survivor and a Badass. Every note she sang shook the room and shook your soul. There will never be another like her. Shake the roof off of Heaven Tina Turner🎤🔥💔
— Diane Warren (@Diane_Warren) May 24, 2023

A Survivor and a Badass. Every note she sang shook the room and shook your soul. There will never be another like her. Shake the roof off of Heaven Tina Turner🎤🔥💔
— Diane Warren (@Diane_Warren) May 24, 2023

I’m so saddened by the passing of my wonderful friend Tina Turner.
She was truly an enormously talented performer and singer. She was inspiring, warm, funny and generous. She helped me so much when I was young and I will never forget her. pic.twitter.com/TkG5VrdxXO
— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) May 24, 2023

The beloved superstar leaves behind a multi-faceted career lasting half a century, and her ability to add her own unique flavor to any medium—be it music, movies, or fashion—has inspired countless hearts.

Here are seven unforgettable, truly badass moments from Turner’s life, showing just how powerful of a legacy she has crafted:

1. Stepping in to sing (make that slay) "A Fool in Love" when the original singer didn't show up

Ike Turner wrote 1960’s "A Fool in Love" for Art Lassiter. When Lassiter didn’t show up to the studio session, a back-up vocals singer named Anna Mae Bullock was ready to step in. This would be her first time recording as “Tina Turner,” and the song would become her first hit single. Yep, Tina Turner has been a badass since Day One.

2. Becoming a household name with "Proud Mary"

Turner’s version of the Creedence Clearwater Revival song came out only two years later but was instantly iconic. It dominated the chart in 1971 and won Turner her first Grammy. Not to mention it gave us one of the most enduring dance spectacles ever.

3. Winning critical acclaim for her role in “Tommy,” proving she can sing and act

Turner’s acting debut playing the fierce, psychedelic siren-like Acid Queen in the 1975 film version of the rock opera "Tommy" was so well-received that she would end up creating an album based on her scene-stealing character.

4. Having legs so famous she had to get them insured

You simply cannot picture Tina Turner without imagining her sashaying the stage in a mini skirt while showing off a pair of shapely gams. Turner has joked that her legs very well might be “more famous” than her singing voice and had famously gotten them insured for $3.2 million.

However, Turner’s fashion choice actually spawned out of practicality, as it was simply easier to dance with fewer clothing restrictions. Eventually, that took on a life of its own and became her signature style. She noted to The Sun, "When I was younger I never felt confident about any part of my body, but with all the attention my legs received, I realized they must be OK!"

5. Turning down a role in 'The Color Purple' to have way more fun as Aunty Entity in the super campy 'Max Max Beyond Thunderdome'

In her HBO documentary, Turner shared that she denied “The Color Purple” because it was too close to her personal life, and “it was too soon to be reminded of” it. So instead, she played opposite Mel Gibson in 1985's postapocalyptic "Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome." Similar to “Tommy,” the performance was highly acclaimed, earning her an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress and two more hit songs: "One of the Living" and "We Don't Need Another Hero (Thunderdome).”

6. Being able to rock out with a variety of mega celebrities—and yes, outshine them

Turner didn't put on a show. Turner was the show. Period.

7. Leaving an abusive relationship at the cost of her career, then making an epic, lasting comeback

Turner finally left her controlling, abusive relationship with husband and collaborator Ike Turner in 1976, after Ike allegedly beat her over her refusal of chocolate candy. With heated legal battles leaving her with nothing but her stage name, Turner’s career slowed to a standstill.

That is until she collaborated with Heaven 17 members Ian Craig Marsh and Martyn Ware for their British Electric Foundation project. Her 1983 cover of Al Green's "Let's Stay Together," produced and backed by Heaven 17, charted high with European, UK, and U.S. audiences. That success would be followed by "Private Dancer," Turner’s most commercially successful album, which was certified platinum five times.

And of course, hits like "Two People," "Typical Male," and Grammy-winner "Back Where You Started,” as well as an induction into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame, would follow after that. Turner was basically the definition of unstoppable.

Farewell, Tina Turner. There will be many greats throughout history, but you are simply the best.

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Meet the 18-year-old advocating for teen mental health, one inspiring podcast at a time

All images provided by Prudential Emerging Visionaries

Collins after being selected by Prudential Emerging Visionaries

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A changemaker is anyone who takes creative action to solve an ongoing problem—be it in one’s own community or throughout the world.

And when it comes to creating positive change, enthusiasm and a fresh perspective can hold just as much power as years of experience. That’s why, every year, Prudential Emerging Visionaries celebrates young people for their innovative solutions to financial and societal challenges in their communities.

This national program awards 25 young leaders (ages 14-18) up to $15,000 to devote to their passion projects. Additionally, winners receive a trip to Prudential’s headquarters in Newark, New Jersey, where they receive coaching, skills development, and networking opportunities with mentors to help take their innovative solutions to the next level.

For 18-year-old Sydnie Collins, one of the 2023 winners, this meant being able to take her podcast, “Perfect Timing,” to the next level.

Since 2020, the Maryland-based teen has provided a safe platform that promotes youth positivity by giving young people the space to celebrate their achievements and combat mental health stigmas. The idea came during the height of Covid-19, when Collins recalled social media “becoming a dark space flooded with news,” which greatly affected her own anxiety and depression.

Knowing that she couldn’t be the only one feeling this way, “Perfect Timing” seemed like a valuable way to give back to her community. Over the course of 109 episodes, Collins has interviewed a wide range of guests—from other young influencers to celebrities, from innovators to nonprofit leaders—all to remind Gen Z that “their dreams are tangible.”

That mission statement has since evolved beyond creating inspiring content and has expanded to hosting events and speaking publicly at summits and workshops. One of Collins’ favorite moments so far has been raising $7,000 to take 200 underserved girls to see “The Little Mermaid” on its opening weekend, to “let them know they are enough” and that there’s an “older sister” in their corner.

Of course, as with most new projects, funding for “Perfect Timing” has come entirely out of Collins’ pocket. Thankfully, the funding she earned from being selected as a Prudential Emerging Visionary is going toward upgraded recording equipment, the support of expert producers, and skill-building classes to help her become a better host and public speaker. She’ll even be able to lease an office space that allows for a live audience.

Plus, after meeting with the 24 other Prudential Emerging Visionaries and her Prudential employee coach, who is helping her develop specific action steps to connect with her target audience, Collins has more confidence in a “grander path” for her work.

“I learned that my network could extend to multiple spaces beyond my realm of podcasting and journalism when industry leaders are willing to share their expertise, time, and financial support,” she told Upworthy. “It only takes one person to change, and two people to expand that change.”

See on Instagram

Prudential Emerging Visionaries is currently seeking applicants for 2024. Winners may receive up to $15,000 in awards and an all-expenses-paid trip to Prudential’s headquarters with a parent or guardian, as well as ongoing coaching and skills development to grow their projects.

If you or someone you know between the ages of 14 -18 not only displays a bold vision for the future but is taking action to bring that vision to life, click here to learn more. Applications are due by Nov. 2, 2023.

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