Today was a workday like most others. I went through my day feeling overwhelmed and incapable of handling all that was being thrust me when Heidy came up to me at a particularly awkward moment, saying “Tina Turner died.” With those words, I froze up. I immediately found myself thinking outside of my own frustration and thought about Tina.

She had made so many inroads incorporating R&B with rock and roll that her relevance was undeniable, and I froze. The time was 3:30 PM, and I had to leave work to do my usual radio show in about 45 minutes. I didn’t think it would be possible to prep a show in 45 minutes, but I figured that was the least that I could do for somebody who helped to change our perceptions of popular music – to reinvent the zeitgeist of our times. So, with almost no time prep, I made a short playlist and offered Tina at least a piece of the love and respect that she always deserved.

It was a rush piece for sure, but I’m glad that I at least tried to give her the attention she deserved. While other stations offered up 30 second spots on her death, we threw together a full hour dedicated to her life’s work, and it wasn’t enough. Here is the roughshod result of our ‘instant’ tribute to an icon, and by all accounts, a beautiful human being.

Featured tracks are:

Boxtop

A Fool in Love

It’s Gonna Work Out Fine

River Deep, Mountain High

I’ve Been Loving You Too Long

Proud Mary

Nutbush City Limits

Acid Queen

Let’s Stay Together

Private Dancer

What’s Love Got to Do with It

Better Be Good to Me