Brownsville, Tennessee, is set to pay a grand tribute to one of its most celebrated daughters, music legend Tina Turner, with the installation of a seven-foot bronze statue in Heritage Park. This striking monument will celebrate Turner’s incredible legacy and deep ties to the region she once called home.Born Anna Mae Bullock in nearby Nutbush, Turner’s early years in Haywood County shaped her musical journey—most notably inspiring her 1973 hit Nutbush City Limits. Over a remarkable career, she earned the title “Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll,” with chart-toppers like Proud Mary, Private Dancer, and What’s Love Got to Do With It. Her 12 Grammy Awards and dual induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame cement her place in music history.
The statue is being crafted by Nigerian-born artist Fred “Ajano” Ajanogha, whose work will come to life in time for the unveiling during the annual Tina Turner Heritage Days this September. The project is supported by a $150,000 grant from Ford Motor Company, part of their Good Neighbor Plan connected to the nearby BlueOval City electric vehicle manufacturing campus. Additional funding comes from the City of Brownsville and local donors committed to honoring Turner’s memory.
Heritage Park, the chosen site, holds special significance as it sits directly across from Carver High School—the school Tina attended as a young girl. City officials and historians believe the statue will deepen community pride and highlight Turner’s lasting impact beyond music, reinforcing her role in the cultural identity of West Tennessee.
Brownsville has a history of preserving Turner’s legacy. In 2002, a section of State Route 19 was officially named the “Tina Turner Highway.” Her childhood school, Flagg Grove School, was relocated and restored at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center, becoming the Tina Turner Museum in 2014.
Since Turner’s passing in May 2023 at the age of 83, the city has sought to continue celebrating her life and achievements. This new statue offers a lasting space for reflection, education, and homage to a hometown hero whose voice and resilience have inspired generations.With construction underway, Brownsville is preparing to welcome fans and visitors worldwide to honor Tina Turner—a timeless icon whose roots run deep in Tennessee soil and whose legacy shines brighter than ever.
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