Tina Turner

USA, 1957–2023

Singer billed as the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll. Gospel-trained, she first came to prominence in the Ike & Tina Turner Revue and later had one of the most commercially successful solo comebacks in popular music.

MusicRoots documents 3 artists who influenced Tina Turner and 2 artists Tina Turner influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Tina Turner?

• Ike Turner — Ike Turner discovered and shaped Tina — bandleader and mentor of the Ike & Tina revue, he built the R&B-rock vehicle her voice exploded out of.
• B.B. King — B.B. King was a foundational model — Tina sang his 'You Know I Love You' at her first sit-in with Ike's band, the moment their musical bond formed.
• Mahalia Jackson — Mahalia Jackson was a massive influence — the gospel power of Tina's church roots channelled into rock'n'roll.

Which artists did Tina Turner influence?

• Beyoncé — Tina Turner's fire, freedom and stage force were a major inspiration — the model of strength-with-femininity Beyoncé built her performance on.
• Bonnie Tyler — Tina Turner was one of Tyler's two biggest influences from a young age — 'River Deep – Mountain High' was her all-time favourite song, and Turner's raw power shaped Tyler's belting style.