Tina Turner Honored With Statue in Tennessee Hometown of Brownsville

Published: September 28, 2025, 21:40 EDT

A new statue celebrating the life and legacy of Tina Turner has been unveiled in Brownsville, Tennessee, the rural community near where the global music icon grew up. The 10-foot bronze sculpture, revealed during a weekend ceremony, commemorates Turner’s remarkable journey from her childhood in Nutbush to becoming one of the world’s most influential performers.

A Monument to a Music Legend

The ceremony took place in a local park in Brownsville, a city of roughly 9,000 residents located about an hour east of Memphis. The site holds deep meaning, as it is situated just steps away from the high school Turner attended as a teenager.

Community members, city officials, and fans gathered to honor the artist whose music transcended borders and decades. The statue stands as both a tribute to Turner’s artistry and a reminder of the cultural contributions that emerged from this small Tennessee town.

Capturing Turner’s Iconic Stage Presence

The sculpture, created by Nigerian-American artist Fred Ajanogha, depicts Turner with her signature wild hairstyle and a microphone in hand, capturing her commanding stage persona. Ajanogha explained that his intention was to reflect her energy and movement, particularly the way she held the microphone with an extended finger—an image familiar to audiences worldwide.

He compared her iconic hair to the “mane of a lion,” symbolizing her fierce presence and strength on stage. The lifelike detail emphasizes the essence of Turner’s performances, which combined passion, resilience, and electrifying charisma.

A Legacy of Music and Influence

Turner, often called the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” rose to international fame with her distinctive voice and unforgettable performances. Over her decades-long career, she earned 12 Grammy Awards and sold more than 100 million records worldwide.

Her most recognized hits include “Proud Mary,” “Private Dancer,” “Nutbush City Limits,” and “We Don’t Need Another Hero,” which was featured in the film Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. Beyond music, Turner also made her mark in cinema, appearing in films such as Tommy and Last Action Hero.

Remembering Tina Turner’s Life

Tina Turner passed away on May 24, 2023, at the age of 83 at her home in Küsnacht, Switzerland, following a long illness. Her passing marked the end of an era for generations of fans who admired not only her music but also her personal story of resilience.

Born Anna Mae Bullock in 1939, Turner overcame hardship to achieve global stardom. Her ability to reinvent herself, from her early career with Ike Turner to her solo success in the 1980s and beyond, made her a symbol of strength and independence.

Brownsville’s Lasting Tribute

For Brownsville and neighboring Nutbush, the statue is more than a tribute to a celebrity—it represents a connection between a small Tennessee community and the global stage. Local leaders emphasized that Turner’s journey continues to inspire young people who see in her story the possibility of rising beyond limitations.

As Brownsville mayor and residents reflected during the unveiling, Turner’s life embodied resilience, artistry, and a determination that continues to resonate worldwide. The monument ensures that her memory remains rooted in the place where it all began.

Looking Ahead: Preserving Turner’s Legacy

The unveiling of the statue follows broader efforts to celebrate Turner’s legacy, including tributes at music festivals, exhibitions, and memorials since her passing. With the Brownsville monument, her hometown now offers a permanent site for reflection, admiration, and remembrance.

For fans, it is both a symbolic and literal reminder of how one of music’s greatest figures carried the spirit of her roots onto the world stage.