The Impact of Tina Turner on My Life

As yesterday was the one-year anniversary of the death of Tina Turner, I reflect on the impact she has on me as a black woman, influenced by rock n’ roll.

To some people who lack some historical music education, it may seem there aren’t many black women faces in the rock n’ roll genre. Of course, true fans know the roots and heavy influence of black people interwoven though its beginnings.

However, Tina Turner really stands out to me as the pioneer whom I totally resonate with on a whole other level.

Maybe it is because I can clearly remember her music videos from the ‘80s and then the movie, What’s Love Got to Do with It? which was released when I was 9 years old (don’t worry, I remember I had to turn away from the TV several times…)

A quick internet search will show you various photos of Tina with any number of fellow rock musicians such as Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Elton John, Little Richard, and the list goes on and on. She was rock royalty and highly respected in this world.

I look at her with a sense of pride. She was comfortable being in her own skin, even if she was surrounded by mostly white men. She held her own and remained true to herself.

Starting her early life in a poor environment, she rose to fame by transforming just like a beautiful butterfly, shedding her old conforming cocoon, as well as her name to become this new entity.

Granted being a legend of rock n’ roll music gives you a certain confidence but as we know, she was a victim of abuse. She was abused in horrific ways but was able to come back from that dark hole. She was able to find her inner strength, inner peace and inner bada$$ to garner awe and respect.

I saw her overall persona, her style, her fashion, and knew I wanted to be like that woman. And I don’t mean exactly her: I have accepted that I am very uncoordinated and cannot sing worth a lick. However, her spirit, personality, confidence, aura was what I desired to incorporate in my life.

While her death came as a shock to me, and it should not have because she died at the age of 83, it still hurt because she was timeless. She still is my idol.

I will always respect and admire her brilliant fashion and fierce attitude for so many reasons.

Style Icon Spotlight: Tina Turner

Was there anybody more iconic, more fabulous than Tina?

The clothes, the personality, the vocals- she was the epitome of a rock star. Tina’s timeless and generational beauty displays a womanly, fun style. She’s seemed to always have a lively sense of style but once she left Ike Turner in 1978, she went on stage rocking a one piece which opened into a studded bra, one thigh high stockings, and open toed heels with ankle straps at a London show. Way to re-introduce yourself, Ms. Tina!

We’re talking bold, red lipstick, drawing everyone’s attention. Sequined dresses which always caught the light when she danced across the stage.

Her attitude was just so cool. After everything she went through in life, she remained strong and an idol.

“Physical strength in a woman… that’s what I am” Our beloved Tina said this, and I love it.

Channeling Tina Turner

Whenever I see a picture of Tina Turner, I am instantly inspired to do something extra to feel good like this rock goddess.

Here are some of her fashion statements that made Tina an incredible superstar.

An Audacious Lip Color

There’s not much that stands out more in my pop culture experience than this queen rocking that red lipstick in the What’s Love Got to Do with It? music video. Just iconic!

Daring Feminine Dresses with Movement

Why wear a stagnant, stiff dress that just weighs you down? A dress that flows with bright sequins leaves more of an impression to your incredible dance moves. It even amps up   a simple girls’ night out or date night? Incorporating fringe, beads or shimmery, sparkly pieces can make simply walking a sight to behold.

Sometimes she would wear leather, the ultimate rock n’ roll material. This just shows a roughness, but she added a feminine touch by wearing a leather skirt with fishnet stockings that she rocked in the ‘80s.

Big, Voluminous Hair

Just like her dresses, Tina did not rock stiff, boring hairstyles particularly during the ‘80s and ‘90s. Her hair was always in motion and airy. She wore wigs, so one day it was short and the next it could be straight down her back. Her most notable cut was the 1984 light brown hairstyle, which was almost punk rock-inspired.

HIGH Heels

Tina knew how to accentuate those legs, especially her calves. Paired with a miniskirt or dress, she showcased those shiny, glowing legs with heels that showed off her leg muscles to perfection. She understood the worth of her legs because eventually she insured them for 3.2 million in 1994.

Overflowing, Abundant Confidence

But, in my opinion, her most important characteristic was her confidence. She was covered in it. This is the Tina I will always love! She knew she belonged and wore what she wanted to wear without any reservations.  That is what was so awesome about Tina. She’d wear her confidence boldly.

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Tina Turner is the perfect, iconic embodiment of my definition of femininity: a beautiful, edgy strong woman and she is sorely missed.