‘The woman who turned her pain into power’: Angela Bassett’s moving tribute to Tina Turner

The voice of the “Queen of Rock and Roll” faded away. A huge singing star with over 100 million albums sold, 8 Grammy Awards and a name registered Rock and Roll Hall of Fame And on the list of greatest music artists, Tina Turner, real name Anna May Bullock, died at the age of 83 at her home in Switzerland.

The announcement of his death was logically followed by an outpouring of tributes, reaching the state’s highest peak. The President of the United States, Joe Biden, was greeted in this way in a press release “The only woman to win in the Pop, Rock and RnB categories” at the Grammy Awards, “A sign of his versatility, creativity and widespread popularity.”

Meanwhile, Barack Obama wrote that he was a singer “Rough, powerful. He was unstoppable. And unapologetic himself – speaking and singing his truth through joy and pain; triumph and tragedy.”

There was obviously a lot of reaction from the music world as well. This was noted by another singing legend, Gloria Gaynor “Tina Turner paved the way for so many women in rock, black and white.” Longtime friend Mick Jagger posted a message on his Instagram.

“I am so saddened by the passing of my wonderful friend Tina Turner. She was a truly talented artist and singer. She was inspiring, warm, funny and generous. She was so supportive when I was little and I never saw her. ‘Never forget her.’

Amongst this gig of fame, we remember moving actress Angela Bassett, who portrayed the singer with great conviction in the solid 1993 biopic, Tina. A performance that also hailed a Golden Globe for Best Actress and an Oscar citation.

“How do you say goodbye to a woman who turned her pain and trauma into strength and used it to change the world? In telling her story, Tina Turner has the courage to show others who live in a beautiful, full future. What love, compassion and freedom should look like.”

His last words to me—to me—were “Never imitate me. Instead, dig deep into your soul, find your inner Tina, and show it to the world.” I keep these words close to my heart all the days.

I am honored to meet Tina Turner. I am honored to help show this to the world. So today, as we mourn the loss of this iconic voice and presence, he has given us more than we could ever ask for. He gave us all being.

And Tina Turner is the gift that will always be “Just the Best” . Angels, sing for her repose… Queen”.