A FORMER backup vocalist for Tina Turner paid tribute to the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, saying the iconic singer left an indelible mark on the world.
Robbie Montgomery – a member of The Ikettes, a female backing trio that traveled the world for Ike and Tina Turner during their heyday – mourned the legendary musician’s death in an interview with The U.S. Sun.
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“Tina Turner was a true legend and an incredible woman who has left an indelible mark on the world,” Montgomery exclusively told The U.S. Sun.
“I am heartbroken, but I will forever cherish the memories we shared and the moments we spent together.
“Tina touched the souls of people around the world through her talent, strength, and unwavering spirit.
“Tina’s music and her story will continue to inspire and uplift us for generations to come.”
The tight-knit group, which consisted of the trio of Montgomery, Venetta Fields, and Jessie Smith, referred to Tina as “Ann” – alluding to the singer’s birth name, Anna.
“I offer my deepest condolences to her millions of fans around the world. Rest in peace, my dear Ann,” Montgomery said, adding: “You will be deeply missed. I’ll never forget our times together.”
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TINA TURNER DIES AT 83
The radiant Tina, whose explosive vocals and mesmerizing performance galvanized fans for decades, died on Wednesday at age 83.
A rep revealed that the Proud Mary singer died at her home in Kusnacht near Zurich, Switzerland.
Tina died of natural causes following a long, unspecified illness, the Daily Mail reported on Thursday citing a representative.
The ionic singer admitted to years of neglecting her body, revealing in her final post. “My kidneys are victims of my not realising that my high blood pressure should have been treated with conventional medicine.
“I have put myself in great danger by refusing to face the reality that I need daily, lifelong therapy with medication.
“For far too long, I believed that my body was an untouchable and indestructible bastion.
“I am therefore delighted to be able to support a new international campaign for kidney health.
“You can read the whole story of my disease on the website www.showyourkidneyslove.com.
“Here, you can find out how your kidneys work, what the risk factors are, and how you can keep these important organs healthy. Let’s show our kidneys some love!”
IKE AND TINA TURNER
Born Anna Mae Bullock in November 1939 in Tennessee, Tina crossed paths with her first husband, Ike, when she saw him performing at a club in her teens – and was reportedly drawn to his voice.
With Ike taking a liking to her powerful voice as well, the two soon became the Ike and Tina Turner Revue jumpstarting her 1960s rise to prominence as the lead singer of the St. Louis duo.
However, their almost 20-year relationship left her physically battered, emotionally devastated, and financially ruined.
The two tied the knot in 1962 and later divorced in 1978.
Over the years, Ike battled with drug addiction and was accused of badly abusing and manipulating Tina during their marriage.
She recalled beatings that resulted in her suffering from numerous broken bones.
Tina said she’s even endured third-degree burns on one occasion when he poured burning hot coffee on her face, she wrote in her autobiography named My Love Story.
The What’s Love Got To Do With It songstress was reportedly left broke and homeless after finally leaving Ike – later revealing she had less than a dollar to her name following the split.
However, she overcame all obstacles and became one of the world’s biggest musicians.
CAREER RESURGENCE
After a few appearances on TV shows, Tina re-emerged in the music scene with a sexier image and costumes in the 1980s.
A career resurgence came in late 1983 when she released her cover of Al Green’s Let’s Stay Together.
The cover skyrocketed to No.1 on the Hot Dance Songs in the US.
The successful single green-lit her debut album under Capitol Records – Private Dancer, which launched in May 1984, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard 200.
The album was certified five times platinum in the United States.
Tina went on several tours in the 1990s and released her ninth album, Wildest Dreams, in 1996.
In 2000, Tina embarked on her One Last Time tour, which was the highest-grossing of the year at $80.2 million, per data collected by MTV.
It was also filmed and released as a documentary.
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