Obituary | Shine, no matter what

Tina Turner turned a tough life into splendour

The singer and ultimate performing artist died on May 24th, aged 83

American R&B and Pop singer Tina Turner performs onstage at the United Center, Chicago, Illinois, October 1, 2000.
Image: Getty Images

Gently she massaged his temples. She would do this until he fell asleep. How many times had she done this, tenderly and sisterly, though he reeked of the peach brandy he was hooked on, to wash down the drugs. She would also do his hair, trim his nails, feed him soup, whenever he asked—even when, as now, her clothes were bloody from a beating, her face swollen and her eyes black. He always aimed his blows at her eyes.

This article appeared in the Obituary section of the print edition under the headline “Shine, no matter what”

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