The little soulful girl known as Anna Mae Bullock from Nutbush, Tennessee that grew into the blonde loc global music icon Tina Turner is saying goodbye to her fans in the new documentary about her life called TINA — and it’s breaking many hearts.
Her riveting story of triumphant despite suffering from years of sexual and physical abuse inspired generations. In the music world, Tina’s influence can also be seen amongst recording artists such as, Beyonce, Annie Lennox, Kelis, Mariah Carey, and more.
Tina has endured the most. At a young age, she was sexually abused and later, would be subjected to nearly three decades of domestic violence at the hands of notable musician and her former husband Ike Turner, a relationship that was documented in the unforgettable biopic What’s Love Got To Do With It, starring Angela Bassett.
Now, at the age of 81, Tina is planning to stay out of the public eye — some speculate it’s because of her ailing health. Over the years, the “We Don’t Need Another Hero” singer has suffered from a stroke, kidney failure, and battled cancer.
The documentary will take fans behind the scenes of the star’s massive career, showing her “innermost struggles” and intimate details about her life. It will consist of archival footage spanning 60 years and include interviews with Kurt Loder, the co-author of bestselling book I, Tina, Oprah Winfrey, Angela Bassett, and Tina – The Tina Turner Musical playwright Katori Hall.
See the official trailer for TINA below:
Reflecting over her life, Tina came to a saddening realization.
“It wasn’t a good life,” Tina said. “The good did not balance the bad. I had an abusive life, there’s no other way to tell the story. It’s a reality. It’s a truth. That’s what you’ve got, so you have to accept it.”
She also came to terms with the feelings she continued to hold towards Ike for so many years.
“For a long time I did hate Ike — I have to say that,” Tina revealed. “But then, after he died, I really realized that he was an ill person. He did get me started and he was good to me in the beginning. So I have some good thoughts. Maybe it was a good thing that I met him, that I don’t know.”
Throughout those years with Ike, she would churn out classic R&B and Rock’n Roll songs that are still played today, including “A Fool In Love,” “It’s Gonna Work Out Fine,” “River Deep – Mountain High,” and of course, “Proud Mary.” After divorcing Ike, she would start her solo career sparking the charts with the album Private Dancer and a role in the cult film Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome, propelling her to iconic status. Several albums later, she would find love again with husband Erwin Bach and move overseas.
Tina has forever left an impression on the world. Her courageous decision to be publicly vulnerable and candid about her past challenges makes her even more admirable for those who may be going through issues. To hear her say goodbye, is like seeing your favorite aunt or big sister go away. Her presence will be missed, but we thank her for leaving a legacy of music that will forever be in our playlists.
TINA premieres on HBO Max on March 27, and release internationally this summer.
