“Thank You”: Queer Musicians Share What Tina Turner Meant to Them
Tina Turner was simply the best; she was better than all the rest — and in the wake of her passing, LGBTQ+ icons are lining up to pay tribute.
Turner, the legendary "Private Dancer" and "What's Love Got to Do" singer known as the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, died on Wednesday at the age of 83 in her home in Switzerland. Her representatives confirmed her death "with great sadness" on Instagram .
An outpouring of grief washed over social media following the announcement, as many LGBTQ+ musicians and other performers shared what Turner's life and work meant to them. "We have lost one of the [world's] most exciting and electric performers," wrote Elton John on Instagram . "A total legend on record and on stage. She was untouchable."
On Twitter, Blondie singer Debbie Harry wrote that Turner's "energy, creativity and talents" made her "a great inspiration" throughout her career, while actor George Takei called Turner "a true legend." The cast and crew of the queer musical parody Titanique wrote they were " deeply saddened " by the news, and that Turner would be "forever in [their] hearts." Janelle Monáe took time away from steamily promoting their new album to passionately reflect on Turner's influence, calling her "the true epitome of a rockstar."
"You taught us lessons and what true transformative power through honesty and vulnerability look like," Monae wrote. "You pushed the limits of who we could be and how it could be done. You had heart. Just thank you. Thank you. thank you."
Actor and activist Angelica Ross wrote that not only was Turner's music "timeless," the singer's Nichiren Buddhist practice "helped me shift the direction of my life and understand my value." Interviewed by Ross for Glamour in 2021, Turner credited becoming a Buddhist in the 1970s with saving her life after surviving years of physical and emotional abuse.
"I discovered a source of strength within me that could survive even the worst of times," Turner said. "I realized that I already had within me everything I needed to change my life for the better. We all do."
Just like the icon herself sang in that Thunderdome song , we don't need another hero: all we need is ourselves — and a kickass Tina track to help us along the way. To prove it, Lizzo took the stage for her scheduled concert in Phoenix, AZ Wednesday night and delivered a passionate performance of "Proud Mary" to raucous applause.
"Today we lost an icon," Lizzo emotionally told her fans, but "I'd much rather celebrate an incredible legend [...] There wouldn't be no rock 'n' roll without Tina Turner!"
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