Tina Turner's Success and Achievements in Timeline
A closer look at the biggest achievements of Tina Turner. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.
Tina Turner, the "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll," was a highly successful singer, songwriter, actress, and author. Known for her powerful vocals, raspy voice, and electrifying stage presence, she broke racial barriers in rock music. As one of the best-selling recording artists of all time, she sold an estimated 100 million records, solidifying her iconic status.
November 1967: First Female and Black Artist on Rolling Stone Cover
In November 1967, Tina Turner became the first female artist and the first black artist to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.
1973: Release of "Nutbush City Limits"
In 1973, Ike & Tina Turner's single "Nutbush City Limits", written by Tina Turner, became a hit, reaching No. 1 in Austria, No. 4 in the UK, and the top 5 in several other countries. It was certified silver by the BPI for selling a quarter of a million copies in the UK. Ike & Tina Turner also received the Golden European Record Award for selling over one million records of "Nutbush City Limits" in Europe.
1974: Grammy Nomination and Film Role
In 1974, Ike & Tina Turner's album The Gospel According to Ike & Tina was nominated for a Grammy. Tina Turner's first solo album, Tina Turns the Country On!, earned her a nomination for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female. Tina Turner also filmed the rock opera Tommy in London, playing the Acid Queen and she appeared on Ann-Margret's TV special.
1976: Departure from Ike & Tina Turner and Start of Solo Career
In 1976, after enduring years of marital abuse, Tina Turner left Ike & Tina Turner and embarked on a solo career.
November 1983: Release of "Let's Stay Together" Cover
In November 1983, Tina Turner released her cover of Al Green's "Let's Stay Together", produced by B.E.F., which became a hit in Europe and the US.
May 1984: Release of "Private Dancer" Album and "What's Love Got to Do with It"
In May 1984, Tina Turner released her album Private Dancer, which became a success, and the single "What's Love Got to Do with It". Following the album's release, Turner joined Lionel Richie as the opening act on his tour.
September 1, 1984: Number One Hit with "What's Love Got to Do with It"
On September 1, 1984, Tina Turner achieved her first and only No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with "What's Love Got to Do with It".
July 1985: Live Aid Performance
In July 1985, Tina Turner performed at Live Aid alongside Mick Jagger. Their performance involved Jagger ripping her skirt off. She also released a duet, "It's Only Love", with Bryan Adams.
1986: Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
In 1986, Tina Turner received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
1986: Release of "Break Every Rule" album and autobiography
In 1986, Tina Turner released her sixth solo album, Break Every Rule, and her autobiography I, Tina, which became a bestseller. She also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
1986: Grammy win for Prince's Trust concert
In 1986, Tina Turner won a Grammy as a performer at the Prince's Trust concert.
1987: Break Every Rule World Tour
In 1987, Tina Turner's Break Every Rule World Tour began, becoming the highest-grossing female tour of the 1980s and setting a Guinness World Record for the largest paying audience at a concert.
January 1988: Record-Breaking Concert in Rio de Janeiro
In January 1988, Tina Turner performed in front of approximately 180,000 people at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, setting a Guinness World Record for the largest paying concert attendance for a solo artist at the time.
April 1988: Release of "Tina Live in Europe" album
In April 1988, Tina Turner released the album Tina Live in Europe, which won a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.
1988: Guinness World Record for largest paying audience
In 1988, Tina Turner held a Guinness World Record for the largest paying audience (180,000) for a solo performer.
1989: Release of "Foreign Affair" album
In 1989, Tina Turner released the Foreign Affair album, which reached No. 1 in eight countries and included the hit single "The Best".
1990: Foreign Affair European Tour
In 1990, Tina Turner embarked on her Foreign Affair European Tour, breaking the record for a European tour previously held by the Rolling Stones.
October 1991: Release of "Simply the Best"
In October 1991, Tina Turner released her first greatest hits compilation, Simply the Best, which sold seven million copies worldwide.
1991: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 1991, Ike & Tina Turner were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Tina Turner did not attend the ceremony.
1991: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Ike Turner
In 1991, Tina Turner was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Ike Turner.
1999: "River Deep – Mountain High" inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame
In 1999, Tina Turner's recording of "River Deep – Mountain High" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
2003: "Proud Mary" inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame
In 2003, Tina Turner's recording of "Proud Mary" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
December 2005: Kennedy Center Honors
In December 2005, Tina Turner was recognized by the Kennedy Center Honors at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC.
2005: Kennedy Center Honors
In 2005, Tina Turner received the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors, with tributes from various artists and praise from President George W. Bush.
2005: Recipient of Kennedy Center Honors
In 2005, Tina Turner was a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors.
February 2008: Comeback Performance at the Grammy Awards
In February 2008, Tina Turner made a public comeback at the Grammy Awards, performing alongside Beyoncé. She also won a Grammy as a featured artist on River: The Joni Letters.
April 2010: "The Best" Returns to UK Charts
In April 2010, due to an online campaign by fans of Rangers Football Club, Tina Turner's 1989 hit, "The Best", returned to the UK singles chart, peaking at No. 9. This achievement made Turner the first female recording artist in UK chart history to score top 40 hits in six consecutive decades (1960s–2010s).
2012: "What's Love Got to Do with It" inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame
In 2012, Tina Turner's recording of "What's Love Got to Do with It" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
July 2013: Marriage to Erwin Bach
In July 2013, after 27 years together, Tina Turner married Erwin Bach in a civil ceremony on the banks of Lake Zurich in Küsnacht, Switzerland.
April 7, 2017: Kidney transplantation surgery
On April 7, 2017, Tina Turner underwent kidney transplantation surgery after her husband, Erwin Bach, donated a kidney to her.
October 2018: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and Release of Memoir
In October 2018, Tina Turner received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and her second memoir, "My Love Story", was released.
2018: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
In 2018, Tina Turner received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
2020: Collaboration with Kygo and Top 40 Hit in Seven Decades
In 2020, Tina Turner came out of retirement to collaborate with Norwegian producer Kygo on a remix of "What's Love Got to Do with It". With this release, she became the first artist to have a top 40 hit in seven consecutive decades in the UK.
October 2021: Sale of Music Rights and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
In October 2021, Tina Turner sold her music rights to BMG Rights Management for an estimated $50 million, with Warner Music handling distribution. Later that month, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist, accepting her award via satellite from her home near Zurich, Switzerland.
2021: Solo induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 2021, Tina Turner was inducted by Angela Bassett into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist.
June 2023: Patti LaBelle's tribute at BET Awards
In June 2023, Patti LaBelle paid tribute to Tina Turner with a rendition of "The Best" at the 2023 BET Awards.
February 2024: Fantasia's tribute at the Grammy Awards
In February 2024, Fantasia paid tribute to Tina Turner with a performance of "Proud Mary" at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards.
September 2025: Selection for National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame
In September 2025, Tina Turner was selected for induction into the National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame.
October 26, 2025: Induction into the National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame
On October 26, 2025, Tina Turner is slated to be inducted into the National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame, having been selected in September 2025.
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