September 28th 2025.
On a quiet day in her hometown of Brownsville, Tennessee, Tina Turner was honored for her contribution to the world of rock 'n' roll. It wasn't her first time being recognized in her community, but this time it was special. A 10-foot bronze statue of the legendary singer was unveiled near her old high school, Carver High School, in Heritage Park. This park sits right across the street from the school and is also close to the community of Nutbush, where Turner grew up.
The artist behind the sculpture was none other than Fred Ajanogha, a renowned artist from Atlanta. His goal was to capture Turner's iconic wild hair and dynamic stage presence through the statue's pose. It was a fitting tribute to the woman who put Nutbush on the map with her hit song "Nutbush City Limits." Turner's music has left a lasting impression on the American music scene, with other popular songs like "Proud Mary," "Private Dancer," and the title track of the biographical film "What's Love Got To Do With It."
The unveiling of the statue was part of the city's annual Tina Turner Heritage Days, a celebration of her early life before she left for a career in music as a teenager. Fans from all over, including Karen Cook who traveled from Georgia, came to witness the event. Cook fondly remembers listening to Turner's music with her mother and considers her a great artist. She believes it's a big deal for the community to have a statue honoring Turner in her hometown.
The construction of the statue was made possible by a $150,000 contribution from the Ford Motor Company. According to Marianne Dunavant, the community relations manager, this is part of their commitment to preserving history for future generations. She hopes that the statue will inspire young people to chase their dreams, just like Turner did.
As the statue was being unveiled, a jukebox musical titled "Tina: The Tina Turner Musical" was touring the country. It is a production directed by Phyllida Lloyd and written by Pulitzer Prize-winner Katori Hall, along with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins. The show originally opened on Broadway in 2019, with Adrienne Warren in the lead role. Turner herself gave Warren some advice, although she was initially hesitant about yet another portrayal of her life.
In a heartfelt op-ed for Rolling Stone, Turner shared her thoughts on the musical and how Warren transformed into her on stage. She reflected on her life and the impact it has had on others, saying that her story gives people hope and is her true legacy. Turner also praised Warren for her hard work and dedication to portraying her accurately. She even joked that now that Warren is on stage, she can finally retire.
Sadly, Turner passed away in 2023, but her legacy lives on through her music and now, through this beautiful statue in her hometown. Her influence on the world of music will never be forgotten, and her story continues to inspire others to chase their dreams and never give up.
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