In 1999, inside the Beacon Theatre in New York City five of the most famous women in the world were gathered for one show. But only one of them decided to start her set from the sidewalk.
Tina Turner was fifty-nine years old that night. It was the age when most people look for a comfortable life. Instead she stepped out of a sleek black limousine and turned a simple walk into a battle cry. She marched through the lobby and down the aisles while the drums for ‘The Best’ began to kick.
Tina Turner Arriving to Divas Live 1999
People who watched this live still talk about the way she ‘stomped on tempo’ and let everyone know what the deal was. One viewer said they still get chills seeing her unlock that memory of true superstardom. Another fan pointed out that they do not make stars like this anymore.
While Tina owned the start of the night with her legs and her voice, the party was only getting started. The show was a marathon of talent that moved from solo hits to a gathering of giants. This led to a moment where the rock and roll energy of the opening met the glitz of another world-famous icon.
The Grand Finale “Proud Mary” with Cher and Elton John
The stage eventually exploded when Cher and Elton John joined Tina for a high-speed finish. Tina joked that they were the oldest ladies in the room. But they moved with more fire than the teenagers on the charts. Seeing Cher attempt the famous ‘Tina Turner shimmy’ during ‘Proud Mary’ was a rare sight that fans still celebrate decades later.
Tina Turner lived a life that was just as loud and powerful as her voice. She went from a difficult beginning to becoming a woman who could command a stadium with a single look.
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