In news that has saddened us all, beloved music icon and the Queen of Rock, Tina Turner, departed from this world yesterday at the age of 83, leaving behind a life filled with music, accomplishments, and an indelible legacy.
Throughout her illustrious career, Tina Turner not only captivated the world with her exceptional talent but also developed a special affinity for Greece. Reports in various media outlets and interviews over the years have highlighted Tina's love for the country and her visits to Greece, where she found solace and inspiration.
Igniting the stage and hearts in Greece
On August 28, 1990, Tina Turner graced Greece with her one and only performance in the country at the Lycabettus Theatre in Athens as part of her world tour, 'Foreign Affair: The Farewell Tour.'
The Lycabettus Theatre, located on Mount Lycabettus, is an iconic open-air venue known for hosting various concerts and performances. Tina Turner's electrifying stage presence and powerful vocals at this historic theatre left a lasting impact on Greek music enthusiasts and further solidified her status as a legendary performer.
Tina Turner's performance in Greece was a testament to her status as a global music icon. Her timeless hits, including "Proud Mary," "River Deep – Mountain High," and "We Don't Need Another Hero," echoed through the venue, creating an atmosphere of sheer euphoria. It was a night where Greece embraced Tina Turner's extraordinary talent and celebrated her as a symbol of strength and empowerment.
In an interview with ERT's Irini Nikolopoulou, Tina expressed her gratitude and admiration for her Greek audience, stating, "Greece holds a special place in my heart. The warmth and passion of the Greek people have always resonated with me. I am deeply grateful for the love and support I have received from my Greek fans throughout the years."
Influencing Greek artists
Beyond the concert, Tina's presence in Greece had a lasting impact on the local music scene. Her unique style, dynamic stage presence, and unwavering authenticity inspired countless Greek artists to push boundaries and embrace their own musical aspirations.
Anna Vissi, a highly acclaimed Greek singer, has expressed her admiration for Tina Turner and cited her as one of her biggest influences. Vissi, known for her powerful vocals and energetic performances, has incorporated elements of Tina Turner's stage presence and showmanship into her own style.
Katy Garbi, a renowned Greek artist, has also acknowledged Tina Turner as one of her musical influences. Garbi's versatile singing style and ability to captivate audiences with her stage performances have been influenced by Turner's electrifying presence.
Eleni Foureira, a Greek-Albanian singer, who gained international recognition after representing Cyprus in the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest and is known for her fierce stage presence and energetic performances, too has acknowledged Tina Turner as an inspiration for her own artistic journey.
Popular Greek singer, Despina Vandi, has often been compared to Tina Turner for her dynamic performances and commanding stage presence. Vandi's energetic and soulful performances are said to draw inspiration from Tina Turner's iconic style, showcasing her influence on the Greek music scene.
Greece, a Haven for Tina Turner
Greece became a place where Tina Turner could escape the demands of stardom and connect with the warmth of the Greek people. It provided her with a haven where she could relax, recharge, and draw inspiration for her music.
During her visits, Tina Turner enjoyed the serene beauty of Greece, immersing herself in the rich culture and taking in the breath taking landscapes. While specific details about her exact locations of stay and dates over the years may not be widely available, her affection for Greece has been widely reported over the years.
Unbreakable: A journey of resilience and empowerment
Embraced worldwide as a powerful and strong role model Tina Turner’s life story is a testament to resilience and determination, as she overcame numerous obstacles with unwavering strength. From a challenging upbringing to a tumultuous relationship with her ex-husband, Ike Turner, Tina Turner rose above adversity, rebuilding her life and pursuing her career on her own terms.
Beyond her artistic abilities, Tina Turner became a beacon of fearless individuality. She defied societal norms and expectations, particularly as a Black woman in a predominantly white music industry. Her bold fashion choices, unique style, and unapologetic presence inspired others to embrace their own identities and celebrate their uniqueness.
Tina Turner's personal journey of self-transformation resonated deeply with her fans. Through her music, she conveyed messages of resilience, empowerment, and self-discovery. Her iconic anthem "What's Love Got to Do with It" became a symbol of independence and strength, inspiring listeners on their own paths of personal growth and self-empowerment.
Tina Turner also used her platform to advocate for women's empowerment. By openly discussing her experiences of abuse at the hands of her former husband and musical partner, Tina Turner raised awareness about domestic violence, encouraging other women to find their strength and break free from harmful relationships. Her courage and outspokenness made her a powerful voice for change. Her legacy as an icon in the music industry will forever inspire and empower individuals around the world.
Oprah Winfrey’s Reflection
When news broke of the passing of the legendary "Proud Mary" superstar at her Swiss residence after a courageous battle with an undisclosed illness, Oprah Winfrey, interrupting her Italian vacation, made a special appearance on CBS Mornings to reflect on her cherished memories of the late songstress. Oprah shared, "Becoming her friend was truly a blessing of a lifetime."
"When the time comes for me, I hold no regrets. I have fulfilled my purpose during my time here on Earth."
In a poignant interview back in 2013, the iconic star of "What's Love Got To Do With It" had candidly opened up to Oprah about her perspective on death, expressing a profound sense of purpose. At the time, Tina Turner, then 73 years old, revealed, "Even when it's time to depart this earthly realm and venture to another plane of existence, I find myself excited about that prospect because I am filled with an insatiable curiosity to unravel the mysteries that lie beyond. Although nobody can truly describe it as no one has returned."
She continued, "I am not eagerly anticipating death, but when the time comes for me, I hold no regrets. I have fulfilled my purpose during my time here on Earth. Now, it's all about pleasure. I am blessed with incredible friendships, a remarkable man in my life, and now a wonderful husband, and I find genuine happiness in every moment."
A Lasting Legacy
The world last caught a glimpse of Tina Turner in November 2019, when she graced the Broadway premiere of the musical production based on her remarkable life. With her unwavering spirit and unparalleled talent, Tina Turner leaves behind a legacy that will forever resonate in the hearts of her fans and admirers worldwide.
Today, as we honour Tina Turner's memory and say our goodbyes, we reflect on her remarkable life, her extraordinary musical talent, and profound impact that transcended borders and extended to Greece's music scene. Her visits to Greece and her deep appreciation for the country stand as timeless testaments to her connection with the Greek people and the admiration she held for her Greek fans.
Farewell, dear Tina. Your legacy will forever inspire and set ablaze the stage, always remembered as an authentic musical icon and a beloved artist who left an indelible mark on the world.
Simply the Best
Remembering some of Tina Turner’s most iconic hits.
"What's Love Got to Do with It" - Album: Private Dancer (1984)
"Proud Mary" - Album: Workin' Together (1971)
"Private Dancer" - Album: Private Dancer (1984)
"Simply the Best" - Album: Foreign Affair (1989)
"Nutbush City Limits" - Album: Acid Queen (1975)
"River Deep – Mountain High" - Album: River Deep – Mountain High (1966)
"We Don't Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)" - Album: Private Dancer (1985)
"Steamy Windows" - Album: Foreign Affair (1989)
"The Best" - Album: Foreign Affair (1989)
"I Can't Stand the Rain" - Album: Private Dancer (1984)
"Better Be Good to Me" - Album: Private Dancer (1984)
"GoldenEye" - Album: Wildest Dreams (1996)
"When the Heartache Is Over" - Album: Twenty Four Seven (1999)
"Typical Male" - Album: Break Every Rule (1986)
"I Don't Wanna Fight" - Album: What's Love Got to Do with It (1993)
"Let's Stay Together" - Album: Private Dancer (1984)
"On Silent Wings" - Album: Wildest Dreams (1996)
"It Takes Two" (with Rod Stewart) - Album: Soul Session Live (1994)
"Two People" - Album: Break Every Rule (1986)
"Tonight" (duet with David Bowie) - Album: Tina Live in Europe (1988)
"Better Be Good to Me" - Album: Private Dancer (1984)
"Private Dancer" - Album: Private Dancer (1984)
"I Want to Take You Higher" - Album: Tina Turner (1978)
"Open Arms" - Album: Foreign Affair (1989)
"Tearing Us Apart" (with Eric Clapton) - Album: Break Every Rule (1986)
"Ask Me How I Feel" - Album: Break Every Rule (1986)
"Falling Like Rain" - Album: Twenty Four Seven (1999)
"Whatever You Need" - Album: Wildest Dreams (1996)
"Disco Inferno" - Album: Tina Live in Europe (1988)
"Look Me in the Heart" - Album: Foreign Affair (1989)
"Show Some Respect" - Album: Private Dancer (1984)
"Girls" - Album: Love Explosion (1979)
RIP Tina Turner, the Queen of Rock.
