My Love Story

1. Innate Resilience Forged in a Difficult Childhood

I believe that in order for you to really know my story, you have to know where—and what—I came from.

Unwanted beginnings. Born Anna Mae Bullock in Nutbush, Tennessee, Tina Turner's early life was marked by a profound lack of maternal love and frequent abandonment. Her mother, Zelma, favored her sister Alline and often disciplined Tina harshly, leading Tina to believe she was unloved and unwanted from birth. This early instability forced her to develop an independent and resilient spirit.

Nature as refuge. Despite the emotional turmoil at home, Tina found solace and strength in the outdoors, exploring fields and pastures, and developing a carefree, optimistic attitude. She also discovered her innate talent for singing and performing at a very young age, captivating audiences in stores and churches, and even performing with local musicians like Mr. Bootsy Whitelaw. This natural gift provided an early escape and a sense of purpose.

Learning disabilities and triumph. Tina struggled with a learning disability, experiencing humiliation in school, particularly with arithmetic. However, this "poison" was later turned into "medicine" when her old schoolhouse became the Tina Turner Museum, symbolizing her journey of overcoming obstacles. Her early experiences, though challenging, instilled in her a powerful mantra: "I'll go on."

2. The Hellish Grip of Control and Abuse

Tina Turner was born that night, and “Little Ann” disappeared forever.

A dangerous attraction. At 17, Anna Mae met Ike Turner, a charismatic but dangerous musician who quickly recognized her vocal talent. Their relationship, initially a friendship, turned sexual and abusive, leading to her first pregnancy with his child. Ike's ambition and fear of being left behind, like previous collaborators, drove him to control her completely.

The birth of Tina Turner. Ike rebranded Anna Mae as "Tina Turner," trademarking the name to assert ownership and ensure she couldn't succeed without him. This marked the beginning of a 16-year marriage defined by physical and psychological abuse, where Tina was Ike's "property" and "meal ticket." She endured constant beatings, humiliation, and infidelity, often performing with visible injuries.

A life of fear. Tina's life became a grueling cycle of touring in harsh conditions, raising four children, and living under Ike's tyrannical control. His escalating drug use, particularly cocaine, intensified his violence, leading to third-degree burns, broken bones, and a suicide attempt that ultimately became a turning point, making her realize she was "meant to survive."

3. The Courageous Leap to Freedom and Solitude

I wasn’t just running away from Ike. I was running toward a new life.

The breaking point. In July 1976, after a particularly brutal beating in Dallas, Tina made her escape from Ike, fleeing with only 36 cents and a Mobil credit card. This desperate act involved running across a busy interstate highway, a moment she felt guided by a higher power, symbolizing her fierce will to live and break free.

Starting from scratch. At 37, Tina was starting over with nothing, facing lawsuits from canceled shows and the challenge of supporting her four teenage sons. She relied on the kindness of Buddhist friends for shelter, cleaning their homes to earn her keep, and found strength in chanting, which helped her focus and reprogram her mind. Her mantra became "Better to be someone else's maid than Ike Turner's wife."

A new identity. Tina's divorce from Ike was contentious, with him trying to stall and retain control. She famously relinquished all financial assets, declaring them "blood money," asking only to keep the name "Tina Turner." This act of profound self-liberation, though leaving her financially destitute, solidified her independence and set the stage for her solo career, despite overwhelming odds.

4. The Unforeseen Rise of an "Overnight Sensation"

I went on to fill the empty spaces with new awards, certificates, and silver, platinum, and triple platinum albums.

The struggle for recognition. After leaving Ike, Tina faced immense difficulty finding a record label, as executives were "brainwashed" by Ike's reputation and doubted her viability as a solo artist. Roger Davies, her new manager, tirelessly championed her, recognizing her potential beyond the "Ike and Tina" persona, and strategically built her audience in Europe first.

A pivotal performance. Her electrifying performances at New York's Ritz club caught the attention of music legends like David Bowie and Rod Stewart. Bowie's enthusiastic endorsement to his record label, EMI/Capitol, was a game-changer, leading to a record deal and the recording of the Private Dancer album. This moment, years into her solo struggle, was her "Cinderella moment."

Global phenomenon. The Private Dancer album, featuring hits like "What's Love Got to Do with It" and "Let's Stay Together," became a massive international success, selling eight million copies in its first year and earning her three Grammys. This "overnight sensation" was the culmination of decades of hard work, resilience, and a refusal to give up, proving that second acts are possible.

5. Finding True Love and a New Home in Europe

I almost had the sense that we’d connected in another life.

Love at first sight. In 1985, while on the Private Dancer tour in Cologne, Tina met Erwin Bach, a German EMI executive, and experienced an immediate, overwhelming "love at first sight." Despite her initial insecurities about her age (46 to his 30s), her past, and her appearance, she felt an inexplicable connection, a feeling she hadn't known before.

Building a life together. Their romance blossomed, with Tina making the bold decision to move to Europe to be with Erwin, first to London, then to Germany, and eventually to Switzerland. She found a sense of belonging and safety in Europe, free from the shadows of her past in America. Their relationship was built on mutual respect, affection, and open communication, a stark contrast to her previous marriage.

Embracing a new identity. Tina embraced her new life in Switzerland, applying for citizenship and curating a peaceful, beautiful home. She found joy in simple pleasures like gardening and quiet contemplation, and appreciated the country's order, cleanliness, and respect for privacy. This period marked a profound personal transformation, where she finally found the love and stability she had always craved.

6. A Relentless Battle Against Life-Threatening Illnesses

Darling, I’m confused, too. I’ve been on such a wild roller-coaster ride during the four years since my wedding that even I have difficulty keeping my medical catastrophes straight.

A series of setbacks. Just three months after her fairytale wedding to Erwin in 2013, Tina suffered a stroke, leaving her right side numb and requiring her to relearn how to walk. This was followed by a severe bout of vertigo, intestinal cancer, and ultimately, kidney failure. Her health journey became a "complicated disaster," a relentless series of life-threatening challenges.

The consequences of ignorance. Tina's kidney failure was exacerbated by her decision to stop taking conventional high blood pressure medication, opting for homeopathic treatments instead. She admitted her ignorance about the critical role of medication in managing her condition, a mistake that led to irreversible kidney damage and profound guilt.

Facing mortality. Confronted with end-stage kidney disease and the unlikelihood of a transplant due to her age and cancer history, Tina contemplated assisted suicide, even joining an organization called Exit. This period of despair was a stark reminder of her mortality, but also a catalyst for Erwin's extraordinary act of love.

7. The Ultimate Gift of Love and a Second Chance

At this point, Erwin shocked me by saying that he wanted to give me one of his kidneys.

An unparalleled sacrifice. In a profound act of love, Erwin offered to donate one of his kidneys to Tina. Despite her initial reluctance, fearing for his health and future, Erwin insisted, declaring, "My future is our future." This selfless gesture, born of deep affection and a belief in the "gift of giving," reignited Tina's hope for survival.

A rigorous process. The journey to transplant was extensive, involving rigorous medical and psychological evaluations for both donor and recipient. Their compatibility, both physically and emotionally, was confirmed, paving the way for the life-saving surgery. Tina's heart condition, damaged by years of high blood pressure, added another layer of risk, but her doctors ultimately green-lighted the procedure.

A new beginning. On April 7, 2017, Tina received Erwin's kidney in a successful transplant surgery. Her recovery, though marked by ongoing challenges with immunosuppressants, was a testament to her fighting spirit and Erwin's unwavering support. This gift of life solidified their bond and gave Tina a renewed sense of purpose and joy, allowing her to embrace her retirement and new projects.

8. Forgiveness, Legacy, and the Enduring Power of Story

It is possible to turn poison into medicine.

Sharing her truth. Tina's decision to share her life story, first in her autobiography I, Tina, then in the film What's Love Got to Do with It, and finally in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, was driven by a desire to help others. She realized her painful experiences with Ike, though embarrassing, could inspire abused women to find courage and escape their own situations.

A phoenix rising. Her story became a powerful legacy of resilience, optimism, and the possibility of a second chance. Fans consistently told her how her journey from despair to triumph gave them hope. David Bowie famously called her a "phoenix rising from the ashes," a metaphor that resonated deeply with her own feelings of transformation.

Embracing forgiveness. At the opening night of her musical, Tina publicly declared, "I forgive him," referring to Ike. This act of forgiveness, born from decades of healing and a new perspective, symbolized her complete liberation from the past. She understood that her life, though filled with "poison," had been transformed into "medicine," bringing joy out of pain.

9. Navigating Motherhood and Profound Loss

I know I’ll get through this, somehow. I’m strong.

A mother's struggle. Tina raised four boys—her son Craig, Ike's sons Ike Jr. and Michael, and their shared son Ronnie—often as a single mother due to Ike's constant absence and abuse. She strived to instill discipline and self-reliance, contrasting with Ike's neglect and negative influence. Her relationship with her mother, Zelma, also remained strained, with Zelma often siding with Ike.

The ultimate heartbreak. In 2018, Tina faced the unimaginable loss of her eldest son, Craig, to suicide. This tragedy, the "worst thing any parent can experience," left her with endless questions and profound grief. She reflected on Craig's lifelong struggles with loneliness and insecurity, which she believed stemmed from his difficult childhood and Ike's treatment.

Enduring love and memory. Despite the pain, Tina found strength to honor Craig's memory with a private military funeral and by creating a personal shrine. She acknowledged her own strength and wished she could have passed it on to him. This final, devastating chapter underscored her enduring capacity for love and her unwavering resilience in the face of life's most profound sorrows.

Last updated: March 21, 2026