27 Best Tina Turner Quotes (with Commentary)

Tina Turner, an iconic figure in the world of music and entertainment, is not only known for her powerful voice and electrifying stage performances but also for her resilience, wisdom, and empowering life philosophy.

Born Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939, in Nutbush, Tennessee, Turner rose to fame in the 1960s alongside then-husband Ike Turner before reinventing herself as a solo artist in the 1980s.

Tina Turner’s quotes are as dynamic and impactful as her music. They reflect her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a global superstar, all while overcoming personal and professional challenges.

Turner’s words often touch on themes of self-empowerment, resilience, transformation, and the importance of authenticity and inner strength.

Best Tina Turner Quotes

“Sometimes you’ve got to let everything go – purge yourself. If you are unhappy with anything, whatever is bringing you down, get rid of it. Because you’ll find that when you’re free, your true creativity, your true self comes out.”- Tina Turner 

Tina Turner’s profound understanding of resilience shines through in this quote. She advocates for the importance of letting go of the burdens that weigh us down. This approach to life is not just about discarding the negative but also about making space for new, positive energies and creative expressions.

Turner’s journey, marked by overcoming personal and professional challenges, exemplifies the power of freeing oneself from the shackles of unhappiness.

“I believe that if you’ll just stand up and go, life will open up for you.”-  Tina Turner 

This quote embodies Tina Turner’s philosophy of life, highlighting the significance of taking action. Turner’s life story is a testament to this belief, as she continually rose to challenges and transformed her life.

The simplicity of her message belies its depth: the act of standing up and moving forward is often the catalyst needed for change. It suggests that life’s possibilities are endless, but it requires a leap of faith and action on our part.

“You must understand the feeling of originating as opposed to imitating.”– Tina Turner 

Tina Turner’s emphasis on originality over imitation speaks to her experience in the music industry and her life. As a performer who broke many barriers, Turner’s success was partly due to her unique style and presence, which were unlike anything else at the time.

This quote underscores the importance of authenticity and finding one’s voice. In a world that often values conformity, Turner’s words are a powerful reminder of the strength and beauty of originality. It’s a call to not just exist but to live authentically, embracing our individuality.

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“Sometimes you’ve got to be a bitch to get things done.”- Tina Turner 

This quote reflects Tina Turner’s unapologetic stance on assertiveness, especially in a male-dominated industry. Her career, marked by overcoming significant personal and professional obstacles, shows her resilience and determination.

Turner’s words challenge the negative connotation often associated with assertiveness in women. She redefines it as a necessary trait for achieving goals, especially in situations where being polite and passive leads to being overlooked or undermined.

“My greatest beauty secret is being happy with myself.”- Tina Turner 

Tina Turner’s insight into beauty transcends the superficial, highlighting the intrinsic connection between inner happiness and external beauty. Her perspective challenges the conventional notion of beauty, emphasizing the role of self-acceptance and contentment.

Turner’s life, filled with both triumphs and trials, illustrates that true beauty emanates from a place of inner peace and happiness.

“I will never give in to old age until I become old. And I’m not old yet!”- Tina Turner 

This quote captures Tina Turner’s indomitable spirit and her refusal to be defined by age. It reflects a mindset that views age not as a limitation, but as a state of mind. Turner, with her incredible career longevity and vitality, embodies this philosophy.

Her attitude challenges societal norms around aging, especially for women in the public eye.

“You can’t change the world, but you can change yourself.”- Tina Turner 

Tina Turner’s insightful quote underscores the concept that personal transformation is the key to navigating life’s challenges. While changing the world might seem like an insurmountable task, Turner emphasizes the power and possibility of personal change.

This idea is central to her life story, where she overcame immense personal and professional obstacles.

“What you get is what you see. I don’t make a pretense about anything.”- Tina Turner 

This quote from Tina Turner speaks to her authenticity and straightforwardness, both as an artist and as a person. In an industry often shrouded in illusion and pretense, Turner stands out for her sincerity. Her approach to life and her career has been characterized by remarkable transparency and genuineness.

This quote reflects her commitment to being true to herself, without succumbing to the pressure of conforming to external expectations. Turner’s authenticity has not only defined her as an artist but also as a role model, showing the strength and appeal of staying true to one’s self.

“I’ve always had confidence. It came because I have lots of initiative. I wanted to make something of myself.”- Tina Turner 

This quote highlights Tina Turner’s inner strength and self-motivation. Her confidence is rooted not in arrogance but in a relentless drive to achieve and better herself. Turner’s life has been a series of overcoming obstacles and breaking barriers, fueled by this intrinsic confidence and initiative.

Her words inspire us to cultivate our confidence, not from external validation, but from a deep-seated desire to fulfill our potential and make our mark on the world. Turner’s journey underscores the power of self-belief in the face of adversity.

“I don’t like to dwell on the past.”- Tina Turner 

Tina Turner’s forward-looking perspective is encapsulated in this quote. Her ability to move beyond her past, particularly the struggles and hardships she faced, showcases her resilience and focus on the present and future.

This approach to life emphasizes the importance of not letting our past define us. Instead, Turner’s philosophy invites us to learn from our experiences but not be anchored by them.

“For me the goddess is the female of God, She is powerful if different.”-Tina Turner

This quote reflects Tina Turner’s views on spirituality and the divine feminine. Her reference to the goddess as a powerful entity distinct from the traditional male conception of God speaks to her belief in the strength and uniqueness of femininity.

This perspective is particularly meaningful given Turner’s journey of self-empowerment and overcoming gender-based challenges. Her words celebrate the female spirit, highlighting its distinct power and importance.

“My legs are really long and that’s a good thing to have as a singer because it gives you strength in your voice.”- Tina Turner 

In this quote, Tina Turner humorously yet insightfully connects her physical attributes to her vocal prowess. Her legendary stage performances, characterized by high energy and powerful vocals, are partially attributed to her physical strength.

Turner’s comment is a nod to the often-overlooked relationship between physicality and artistic expression.

Her career, marked by dynamic performances, highlights how physical attributes can be harnessed and celebrated as part of one’s artistry. This quote encourages us to embrace and utilize our unique physical traits as a source of strength and expression.

“I didn’t want to just be a singer. I wanted to be an artist.”-Tina Turner 

This quote from Tina Turner delves into her artistic vision and ambition. Her distinction between being a singer and an artist speaks to her desire for creative control and depth in her work. Turner’s career is marked by her evolution from a talented singer to a global icon with a distinct style and voice.

This transformation was fueled by her aspiration to create art that was reflective of her true self, rather than conforming to the expectations of the industry. Her journey inspires artists to aspire beyond technical proficiency, aiming for a deeper, more personal connection with their art.

“I didn’t have anybody, really, no foundation in life, so I had to make my own way. Always, from the start. I had to go out in the world and become strong, to discover my mission in life.”- Tina Turner 

This quote encapsulates Tina Turner’s journey of self-reliance and determination. Having no foundational support in her early life, she was compelled to carve out her path. Her story is a profound example of how adversity can be a catalyst for strength and self-discovery.

Turner’s words resonate with anyone striving to find their purpose against the odds. They remind us that our toughest challenges can lead us to our greatest achievements and that sometimes, having to rely on ourselves is the first step towards uncovering our true potential.

“I will never give in to old age until I become old. And I’m not old yet!”-Tina Turner 

Tina Turner’s declaration is a powerful testament to her enduring spirit and refusal to be defined by age. This attitude is not just about defying age in the physical sense, but more importantly, in spirit and mindset.

Turner, through her incredible career and life journey, exemplifies this philosophy. Her words challenge societal norms around aging, especially in the entertainment industry, and encourage a mindset of lifelong growth, vitality, and relevance. It’s an empowering stance that inspires us to live vibrantly and unapologetically, regardless of our age.

“I believe in prayer and in strong belief.”- Tina Turner 

This quote highlights Tina Turner’s deep-rooted faith and spirituality, which have been instrumental in her life and career. Her belief in the power of prayer and conviction speaks to the strength she derives from her spiritual practices.

This spiritual foundation has helped her navigate the myriad challenges she has faced, both personally and professionally.

“I’m not wise, but the beginning of wisdom is there; it’s like relaxing into – and an acceptance of – things.”- Tina Turner 

Tina Turner’s reflection on wisdom is a profound recognition of the importance of acceptance and understanding in personal growth. Her acknowledgment of being at the beginning of wisdom suggests a continual journey of learning and self-discovery.

Turner’s perspective on relaxing into and accepting life’s experiences, both good and bad, speaks to a deep understanding of resilience and adaptability. It’s a valuable lesson in embracing life’s changes and challenges with grace and openness, recognizing them as opportunities for growth and wisdom.

“My legacy is that I stayed on course… from the beginning to the end, because I believed in something inside of me.”- Tina Turner 

This quote from Tina Turner reflects her unwavering commitment to her values and beliefs throughout her career. It speaks to the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of adversity and change.

Turner’s legacy is not just about her monumental success and talent, but also about her integrity and steadfastness. Her conviction and belief in her inner voice guided her decisions and actions, setting an example for others to follow their inner compass and stay true to their course.

“I don’t want to be a queen. I want to be a legend.”-Tina Turner 

Tina Turner’s ambition to be a legend rather than a queen underscores her desire for enduring impact and timeless recognition. This statement reflects her aspiration to leave a legacy that transcends titles and temporary accolades.

Turner’s focus on becoming a legend speaks to her commitment to excellence, innovation, and influence in her craft. Her career trajectory and the lasting impact of her work indeed make her a legend in the truest sense, inspiring future generations with her talent, resilience, and trailblazing spirit.

“Physical strength in a woman – that’s what I am.”- Tina Turner 

In this powerful statement, Tina Turner asserts her physical strength, an attribute that has been a significant aspect of her identity as a performer and as a woman. This declaration challenges traditional notions of femininity and strength, particularly in the context of the entertainment industry.

Turner’s physicality, evident in her dynamic stage performances, symbolizes her resilience and power, both literally and metaphorically. Her words encourage a redefinition of what it means to be strong as a woman, celebrating physical strength as a key element of female empowerment.

“You asked me if I ever stood up for anything. Yeah, I stood up for my life.”- Tina Turner 

This quote exemplifies the core of Tina Turner’s resilience and courage. It speaks to her history of standing up against adversity, be it in her personal life or professional career. Turner’s declaration of standing up for her life is a powerful testament to her strength and self-advocacy.

It’s a reminder that sometimes the most significant stand we can take is for our well-being and dignity. Her journey inspires us to recognize the importance of defending our lives and choices, especially in the face of challenging circumstances.

“I didn’t just overcome adversity; I changed adversity into opportunity.”- Tina Turner 

Tina Turner’s perspective on adversity is not just about overcoming obstacles but transforming them into opportunities. This mindset is a crucial aspect of her life story, where she turned her struggles into stepping stones for growth and success.

Her ability to convert adversity into opportunity is a lesson in resilience and optimism. It encourages us to view challenges not as roadblocks but as chances for personal development and breakthroughs. Turner’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of a positive outlook in the face of adversity.

“I don’t regret anything I’ve ever done; I only wish I could have done more.”- Tina Turner 

This quote from Tina Turner reflects her philosophy of embracing all life experiences without regret. Her outlook suggests a life lived fully and boldly, valuing each experience as a part of her journey.

Turner’s wish to have done more speaks to her relentless spirit and hunger for life. Her perspective is a powerful reminder to live without regrets, seeing every choice and action as a step in our life’s path. It encourages us to seize opportunities and live our lives to the fullest.

“My greatest beauty secret is being happy with myself.”-Tina Turner 

Tina Turner reveals her perspective on beauty, which is deeply rooted in self-acceptance and happiness. This quote goes beyond conventional beauty standards, emphasizing the importance of inner contentment.

Turner’s view of beauty as a reflection of self-satisfaction and joy is a refreshing and empowering approach. It challenges us to find beauty in our happiness and self-love, rather than external validation. Her life and charisma embody this philosophy, showing how true beauty emanates from within.

“I need that on stage. I need a burst of life. That’s entertainment for me.”- Tina Turner 

Here, Tina Turner speaks about her need for vibrant energy and life in her performances. This quote highlights her understanding of entertainment as an exchange of dynamic energy between the performer and the audience.

Turner’s career has been characterized by electrifying performances that showcase her vitality and passion. Her words remind us of the power of live performance to energize and inspire, both the artist and the audience. It’s a testament to the transformative power of art in its ability to bring bursts of life and excitement.

“I will never give up my music.”- Tina Turner 

Tina Turner’s unwavering commitment to her music is evident in this quote. It reflects her deep passion and dedication to her art form, regardless of the challenges she faced. This statement is a declaration of her resilience and determination to continue pursuing her passion.

Her relentless dedication to music serves as an inspiration to persevere in our passions, even in the face of adversity. Turner’s career is a powerful example of the enduring spirit of an artist committed to their craft.

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Final Thought

Tina Turner’s quotes encapsulate the essence of a life lived with resilience, strength, and a relentless spirit. Her words transcend the boundaries of her music and stage performances, offering profound insights and guidance on facing life’s challenges, embracing change, and staying true to oneself.

Tina Turner’s quotes are a testament to her indomitable spirit and an enduring source of motivation, reminding us of the power of perseverance and the beauty of living life with authenticity and courage.

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