A Look Back at Some of EBONY and JET Magazines Most Iconic Covers of Tina Turner

Pioneer. Survivor. Rockstar

Tina Turner rightfully took her place as an icon in music and culture. Her courageousness emanated through her lyrics and the life that she lived. Around the world, she will forever be revered as the queen she is.

Below are a few of Turner’s most memorable EBONY and JET covers spanning over the past several decades.

EBONY, May 1971

This issue of EBONY highlighted the “Best Dressed Women of 1971,” and Tina Turner was certainly that. Aside from her dynamic voice, she possessed a certain charisma that was uncommon for Black female artists at the time. Her energy had a lot to do with how she presented herself and her unique fashion sense, both of which have paved the way for many artists of today across genres.

JET, July 1977

Before her meteoric stardom, Tina Turner came from humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee. The turbulence within her upbringing and marriage birthed an essence of resilience and strength in her that the world has admired. She’s noted in interviews that the trials that she overcame in the earliest decades of her life allowed for her to live her most authentic and happiest life in her later years.

JET, November 1978

Newly single and redefining her life, Tina Turner became dedicated to making the newest chapter in the best one yet. She was standing strong in her convictions and the fact that she “paid her dues.” She let it be known that shewas ready to shine on her own terms, especially being free from her ex-husband’s control over her music, career and livelihood.

JET, December 1982

At 42, Tina was more comfortable in exuding her sexiness more than ever. In this issue, she posed for sexy images that let folks know that she still had it going on. Previously named the “hardest working young lady in show business,” she was not letting age get in the way of her hustle.