The Passing of the 'Queen of Rock,' Mourned by Biden as Well

Highlighting Achievements in Overcoming Domestic Violence and Women's Limitations

Around the handprint of singer Tina Turner on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the United States, memorial photos and bouquets placed by fans are displayed. Turner passed away on the 24th.
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

U.S. President Joe Biden issued an unusual statement of condolence on the 24th for Tina Turner, the "Queen of Rock and Roll," who passed away.

In his condolence statement, President Biden said, "Turner overcame adversity and abuse to achieve musical success. I extend my condolences to Turner's husband and family, and to those mourning the greatest (simply the best) singer." 'Simply the best' is one of Turner's signature hit songs.

President Biden's tribute to Turner, including the statement, was not only because of her musical achievements. He focused on the process of overcoming the frustrations and difficulties she faced as a woman.

The adversity and abuse mentioned by President Biden were the pains of Turner's early life. Born in 1939 in the rural town of Brownsville, Tennessee, Turner caught the eye of guitarist Ike Turner and performed as "Ike and Tina Turner." The two were married in 1962 and performed together for 16 years. Their hit song "Proud Mary" during the Ike and Tina Turner era was also popular in Korea through Jo Young-nam's adaptation "Mullebang-a Insaeng" (Watermill Life).

However, exhausted by her husband's violence, Turner suddenly fled in 1976 with only 36 cents and a gas card in hand. Being in her 40s was an obstacle that could have made it difficult for her to continue her career as a singer. Despite such adversity, with the help of British fellow singers like Mick Jagger and David Bowie, she released the album "Private Dancer" in 1984, which became a huge hit, earning her the title "Queen of Comebacks."

Meanwhile, Turner's representative announced that she peacefully passed away at her home near K?snacht, Zurich, Switzerland, where she had lived since retiring.