Some contributory notes since the recent passing of American singer, Anna Mae Bullock, otherwise known as Tina Turner. If one looks back on her career this woman was a pioneer. What you find is a talented Black female singer/songwriter who survives an abusive relationship by the hands of band leader and then husband, Ike Turner. Tina would not only survive Ike’s physical abuse, she would prosper as her talents eventually carried her to the top [on the musical stage]. Turns out that she didn’t need Ike at all! But let’s pause here and reflect on how brave she was to leave Ike the night she crossed a major freeway [I-35] to safety where she hid out from him. Tina found refuge inside a Ramada Inn in Dallas on the opposite side of the highway from where they were staying. [Any woman reading this who is in an abusive relationship, who believes that there’s no way out, here’s a great example of the fact that [along with courage] you can get away from an abusive relationship and make it on your own, empower yourself you can do it, absolutely!]

I didn’t know much about the career of Tina Turner other than over the years I noticed she would always put 110% into any song she set to tackle. Tina’s delivery was unique, bringing a style to every song she sang and I remember it always grabbed my attention to the end. I was surprised to find that Tina wrote several songs on her own as well as in collaboration with others. One of the songs she penned, “Nutbush City Limits”, turns out is a song describing where she grew up in Tennessee. I’m sending a salute out to Tina Turner! For my favorite song by Tina Turner, see below.