Tina Turner: From Adversity to Legend - A Story of Resilience and Triumph (Never seen before photos by Duncan Raban)

When Tina Turner made the brave decision to leave her first husband, who was not only her spouse but also her boss and an abusive tormentor, she discreetly escaped their Dallas hotel room with one clear thought in mind: "The only way out is through the door." With just 36 cents and a Mobil gas card, she fled along the midnight freeway, dodging speeding semi-trucks. From that moment on, she had nothing to her name except her determination to start anew.

During her divorce proceedings, Tina Turner made an unconventional request. Rather than seeking material possessions like song rights, cars, houses, or money, she simply desired to keep the stage name he had given her - Tina - and her married name - Turner. This was crucial for salvaging her career since the world knew her by that name. The path ahead held multiple possibilities, including fading into obscurity or becoming a nostalgia act in Vegas, given her troubled past.

However, fate had other plans for Tina Turner. Instead, she emerged as the prominent global rock star of the 1980s, achieving immense success and recognition. Her exceptional talent, showcased in her platinum-selling solo debut album, 

"Private Dancer," played a significant role in her rise. Additionally, her courage to speak out about her abusive marriage, forging her own identity, and inspiring countless women, combined with her unwavering faith in Soka Gakkai Nichiren Buddhism, became pillars of her strength and survival throughout her life.

In her second and only marriage to Edwin Bach, a Swiss music executive younger than her by 16 years, Tina found a supportive partner who respected her career, talents, and fame without intimidation. Their relationship took a selfless turn when facing serious health issues in 2016, Tina's kidneys began to fail. Prepared for assisted suicide, her husband stepped in, unwilling to let another woman or her life be lost. He selflessly donated one of his kidneys, granting her more time and closing a chapter that had taken her from one who caused her harm to one willing to sacrifice for her well-being.

Born as Anna Mae Bullock in 1939 to a sharecropping family, Tina Turner transformed into a legendary figure. Her legacy encompasses being the queen of rock 'n roll, a powerhouse performer with a captivating voice, an electrifying dancer, a timeless beauty, a survivor of unimaginable abuse and a champion for others in similar situations. She ventured into authorship and acting, remained devoted to her Buddhist beliefs, and embraced roles as a wife and mother. Tina Turner embodied rare talent, perseverance, and transcendent brilliance that etched her name as a true legend.