On the eve of the coronavirus pandemic, Tina Turner's historic 1889 childhood schoolhouse, the Flagg Grove School in Brownsville, Tennessee (relocated from her nearby birthplace of Nutbush and opened as the Tina Turner Museum in 2014), was the second and final stop in the late 2019 kickoff of my study tour and book project on surveying strategies in preserving and interpreting music landmarks in communities across the US. I was greatly inspired by the authenticity of opportunity provided by the Tina Turner Heritage Days event to experience Tina's humble West Tennessee roots and to meet some of her family members, childhood friends and most avid fans from all over the world. I'm excited to carry forward what I learned there when the project resumes!
Pictured below: Flagg Grove School/Tina Turner Museum (Sept. 27, 2019, Sheryl Davis) and Anna Mae Bullock yearbook photo (courtesy of the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center).
From a self-described "farm girl who stood in the fields, dreaming, years ago," to her most recent accolades and endeavors, Tina continues to show us why she is simply the best! Here are some ways you can celebrate the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll during Women's History Month and beyond:
1) Donate in support of the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center, the stalwart guardians of the Tina Turner Museum / Flagg Grove School. Visit the center's website and social media to learn more about the museum and to receive updates including news of artifacts arriving from Tina herself and plans for Tina Turner Heritage Days in September 2021. Get inspired to make a future visit!
2) Vote for Tina to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2021 now through April 30! Read her nominee profile here.
3) Watch the new "Tina" documentary by HBO that premiered March 27, 2021.
4) Read Tina's new book, "Happiness Becomes You," for an uplifting perspective on life. This message of empowerment as told from the Queen of Rock's personal chronicle of struggle and pursuit of happiness was unveiled October 27, 2020.
5) When we return to live entertainment, consider purchasing tickets to see TINA: The Tina Turner Musical! Tina made a rare public appearance to support its Broadway debut November 7, 2019.
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