Tina Turner Statue Unveiled in Brownsville, Draws Criticism

A 10-foot bronze statue of Tina Turner was unveiled Sept. 27 in Brownsville, Tennessee, near the high school she attended and the Nutbush community, during the Tina Turner Heritage Days celebration and stands near the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center. Sculpted by Fred Ajanogha, who said he spent about a year on the piece, the statue depicts Turner's wild hair, stage movement and trademark index-finger microphone hold and was cast at a West Tennessee foundry. Funding came from about 50 donors, including a $150,000 contribution from Ford Motor Company. Organizers and many fans hailed the tribute to the 'Queen of Rock n' Roll,' but the unveiling also drew online criticism and debate over the statue's likeness and execution. Turner died May 24, 2023, and is remembered for hits such as Nutbush City Limits, Proud Mary and What's Love Got to Do With It.