Holly Knight, a close friend of Tina Turner and the writer of several of her hit songs, shares some personal words and a memorial video in the wake of the loss of the Queen of Rock and Roll.
Holly Knight co-wrote nine songs for Tina Turner:
(Simply) The Best
Better Be Good to Me
One of The Living
Wildest Dreams
Be Tender With Me Baby
Ask Me How I Feel
You Can’t Stop Me Loving You
Love Thing
Do Something
Tina even wrote the foreword to my memoir, I Am the Warrior, a little over a year ago. Originally, I had asked her to write a little blurb for the book and she sent me back so much more. I remember I was in my doctor’s office when I opened my e-mail and read her words. I burst into tears. No one had ever acknowledged my contributions like this before — and it was Tina Turner. I thought it would be befitting to use it as the foreword, so I wrote her back and asked if that would be okay, to which she responded, “Of course!” My favorite chapters in the book are the stories behind the songs I wrote for her, and the special times I spent with her over the years — especially the final chapter.
So many memories have been flooding into my head these last few days, things I had forgotten about, moments spent with her. There is one song, “Wildest Dreams” which I wrote for her where she went on the road in a tour bus with Oprah. They had wrapped the bus in huge lettering that said, “Wildest Dreams Tour.” The purpose was to drive around the country granting people their dreams. “Never in your wildest dreams, did it ever get this easy…” And that’s what keeps running around in my head. But the saddest part is when she sings, “Not yet, not yet.”
That’s what I kept thinking when I heard the news of her passing. Not yet.
Tina Turner — what a beautiful soulful spirit she was. Fierce and elegant, rock ‘n roll, iconic and authentic. As a woman, she’s inspired me more than anyone else I’ve ever met. After her dear husband, Erwin Bach, her family, Roger Davies, her manager and dear friend for decades and her closest friends, no one is feeling the loss more than I am.
I loved Tina, and my life has been so much better because of her for over forty years. She was my muse and will always hold a special place in my heart. I am totally gutted that she’s gone but am comforted to know that her legacy and music will live on forever. RIP my beautiful queen! You will be missed every day and you will always be remembered for being simply the best!
Holly Knight xxxxoxoxoxoxoxox
