Tina Turner’s life and career in photos

Tina Turner, a music legend and an inspiration for divas everywhere, led a colorful life as an international star known for her energetic stage presence and dance moves. With her iconic hair, sparkling mini dresses and raspy voice, she was known the world over, from her beginnings with the Ike & Tina Turner Revue until her death on Wednesday.

Turner overcame an abusive marriage and a stalled career before being fully embraced as a rock ’n’ roll original. Soaring to fame starting in the 1960s, her hitmaking career continued for decades. Here are a few of the images illustrating her long stint in the spotlight.

Tina Turner on NBC’s “The Midnight Special.”

(Burt Sugarman)

Tina Turner during the premiere of the musical “Tina - Das Tina Turner Musical” at Stage Operettenhaus in Hamburg, Germany.

(Franziska Krug / Getty Images)

Tina Turner and Mick Jagger at Live Aid in Philadelphia on July 13, 1985.

(Paul Natkin / WireImage)

Tina Turner performs during her 50th anniversary tour at Madison Square Garden in 2008 in New York City.

(Kevin Mazur / WireImage)

Tina Turner poses for portraits in 1964.

(Michael Ochs Archives)

Tina Turner and Lionel Richie share a laugh as they celebrate their wins during the 1985 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.

(Nick Ut / Associated Press)

Tina Turner performs with Elton John during the VH1 concert “Divas Live ‘99” at New York’s Beacon Theatre.

(Mike Sedar / Reuters)

Beyonce and Tina Turner at the 50th Grammy Awards at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

(Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Diana, Princess of Wales meets singers Paul Young and Tina Turner backstage at a Prince’s Trust charity rock concert at Wembley in June of 1986.

(Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images)

Singer Tina Turner is photographed in her dressing room backstage ahead of her show at Radio City Music Hall in New York in 1993.

(Dave Hogan / Getty Images)

Mel Gibson and actress and singer Tina Turner on the set of “Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome,” directed by George Miller and George Ogilvie.

(Sunset Boulevard / Corbis via Getty Images)