‘5 Questions With’: Tina Turner

Tina Turner

Commanding stages for decades with a voice that carried both grit and grace, Tina Turner remains one of music’s most iconic and influential figures. Born in Tennessee and rising to global fame through a career marked by resilience, reinvention, and undeniable talent, her sound seamlessly blended rock, soul, and pop into something entirely her own. From electrifying live performances to timeless anthems, Tina’s legacy is built on power, perseverance, and authenticity. Even beyond her years of active recording, her impact continues to shape generations of artists. We revisit the journey of Tina Turner, reflecting on her artistry, her evolution, and the enduring spirit that defines her legacy. Read the feature below…

EQ: Hi Tina, can you tell us a little about yourself and how you first got into music?

tt.: I grew up in Tennessee, and music was always around me—church, community, everything. I started singing in the choir, and that’s really where it all began. Later on, I met Ike Turner, and that opened the door to performing professionally. It wasn’t easy, but I always knew I had something to give through music.

EQ: Your career has spanned multiple decades and styles. Who would you say influenced your sound the most?

tt.: I was inspired by a lot of artists growing up—people like Little Richard and Ray Charles. They had such strong energy and presence. But I think over time, I found my own voice by living through my experiences. My music became a reflection of everything I’d been through.

“…my music became a reflection of everything I’d been through.”
– Tina Turner

EQ: Your comeback in the ’80s is often described as one of the greatest in music history. What drove that reinvention?

tt.: It came from a place of determination. I had to rebuild everything, not just my career but my life. I wanted to prove to myself that I could stand on my own. That period was about strength, independence, and not giving up, no matter what.

EQ: Do you have any songs that feel especially personal to you?

tt.: Many of them do, but songs like “What’s Love Got to Do with It” and “Private Dancer” hold special meaning. They represent different chapters of my life. Each song carries a story, and I think people connect to that honesty.

EQ: Looking back on your journey, what do you hope people take away from your music and story?

tt.: I hope they see that it’s never too late to start again, and that strength comes from within. Music was my way of expressing that, and if it’s helped someone else feel stronger, then that means everything to me.

Follow Tina Turner:
Instagram: @tinaturner