STATUE OF ROCK 'N' ROLL ICON TINA TURNER UNVEILED IN HER TENNESSEE HOMETOWN. (PHOTO).

Statue of rock 'n' roll icon Tina Turner unveiled in her Tennessee hometown

A towering 10-foot bronze statue of Tina Turner was unveiled Saturday in Brownsville, Tennessee, honoring the late music icon in the rural community where she grew up. The unveiling drew fans from across the region to celebrate Turner’s legacy as one of the world’s most influential performers, known for her powerhouse vocals, commanding stage presence, and global hit songs. Brownsville, a small city near Nutbush where Turner spent her childhood and attended school, hosted the ceremony as part of the annual Tina Turner Heritage Days. The statue now stands just steps from the high school Turner attended as a teen, serving as a permanent tribute to the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll.”

The statue, created by Atlanta-based sculptor Fred Ajanogha, captures Turner mid-performance, complete with her trademark wild hairstyle and signature microphone pose. Ajanogha said he wanted to reflect her energy, grace, and the fierce stage persona that captivated audiences worldwide. The project took roughly a year to complete, with support from about 50 donors, including Ford Motor Co., which contributed $150,000 as it develops an electric truck plant nearby. The statue stands outside the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center, which also houses a museum dedicated to Turner inside the restored Flagg Grove School, where she studied as a child. Fans at the event shared their admiration, recalling Turner’s journey from a small-town girl to an international superstar with hits like “Nutbush City Limits,” “Proud Mary,” and “What’s Love Got to Do with It.” Turner, who passed away in 2023 at age 83, remains a symbol of resilience and inspiration for generations of music lovers.