By Dan Bollinger
LOGANVILLE, Ga. | Passing of various rock stars at my age is nothing new. But the passing of Tina Turner is one that is really kind of special, as she was particularly a great performer.
Bollinger
I grew up in a small town in Missouri, educated in a parochial and public high school, and was fortunate to attend college. The only way I was able to go was working every step, carpentering for my contractor uncle, pumping gas at a Gulf station and changing tires and batteries at a Sears store. With the help of the GI Bill, I eventually became the third to graduate out of 26 cousins. And that is where Tina came in.
I first saw her perform as an opening act in Cape Girardeau, Mo. in a venue that could seat about 1,000 if the fire department was not paying attention. The building was previously a National Guard armory, and at the time, it was the main building for the District Fair.
Ike and Tina Turner opened for “Booker T and the MG’s.” I was never exposed to anybody like their performance, going after finishing my shift pumping gas at Sunset Gulf. I did not shower or change out of my uniform, I just went. Ike and Tina’s performance really put Booker T in the background. She was as electric and captivating that night as she was five years later, when I saw her perform again at the college’s Brewer Field House.
By then I was a veteran of the Vietnam era, had experienced the threat of the Cold War firsthand, had become married, and was about to graduate.
I was in my last semester at the University of Missouri when with my wife and I sat on the dirt floor of Brewer Field House, in the hanging smoke and odor of an illegal substance. Tina was two hours late for the performance; the crowd was restless and getting impatient. We had heard rumors about Ike and his abuse, but were too naïve to believe it was true. When Tina finally made her appearance on stage, she captured and invigorated that audience. All was forgiven..
Her performance was even more spellbinding than the first time I saw her perform. I did know a little of her history and was amazed. But I certainly do remember that she was inspiring.
The fact that she had scrapped and scrambled to get that far, and then to go on to become an icon, still amazes me to this day. And as I think back, though I did not realize it then, her career has influenced my life. I have been fortunate to see and even meet many other famous, successful, and inspiring people. Adversity is a great teacher though it is painful at times. She let me and others know just look it in the eye and keep on keeping on.
Tina Turner was special. I believe she had the same effect on many others. She was simply the most talented and super special, and probably inspiring to many of us. Recently I was able to attend Tina, the Musical, which focuses on her life story, and how her music reflected her life.
My story is certainly not as rags to riches as hers was, and God knows I did not suffer any abuse. Thank you, Tina Turner. You truly are “Simply the Best!”
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
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