And yet, a black guy beat her, bruised her, broke her bones and almost broke her spirit. So glad she overcame.
I had the unforgettable opportunity of seeing her and Ike live in 1971, as their album containing "Proud Mary" had been introduced, and they were finally starting to hit the big time. Her performance with the Ikettes was ground-shaking, revolutionary in terms of the pop music of the time—a whole new level. The audience—mainly black but also mixed with white hipsters—reacted at first as if stunned, soon followed by primal screams and joyful madness. It was not hard to see that Ike was devastated with jealousy. She was humble, and his music was OK; but her talent was enormous.
I'll never forget a long-ago appearance, probably late 70s, that featured Tina on a tv variety show. She was paired on stage with Ann-Margret, who was widely regarded as a sexy film goddess at the time. Ann-Margret performed "Proud Mary" alongside Tina.
I was deeply embarrassed for Ann-Margret; a truly pathetic display. Yet when it was over, Tina smiled, stepped to one side and gestured towards Ann-Margret with a generous open palm, encouraging the audience to applaud Ann-Margret, who had just humiliated herself without even realizing. Tina! ...such an act of mercy, class and grace!
Ike actually gets credit for what some consider to be the first rock record, “Rocket 88”.