This Day in 1986: Tina Gets a Star

32 years ago today, Tina Turner received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, an honor which some would’ve said was long overdue. Then again, most of the people who’d say that probably don’t realize that it’s the recipients themselves who have to pay for their own stars!

By 1986, Tina Turner’s comeback was so fully in swing that it was as if she’d never been gone, thanks to the success of her 1984 album PRIVATE DANCER and her well-received work alongside Mel Gibson in the film Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. While there’s no question that Turner was more than deserving of her star, it’s probable that the big reason for moving forward with the honor was that it provided publicity for two major items which were about to hit stores: her new album, BREAK EVERY RULE, and her autobiography, I, Tina, both of which hit stores within a month of the star ceremony.

The ceremony was hosted by Johnny Grant, honorary mayor of Hollywood, who introduced Bill Welch, the president of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, who then introduced Don Zimmerman, president of Capitol Records, who introduced the rest of his Capitol team. Yes, that’s a whole lot of introducing, but eventually Zimmerman got around to introducing the one person that everyone in attendance had come to see: Tina Turner. Unfortunately, if Turner actually spoke at the event, no one seems to have footage of it! Everybody else, yes, but no Tina. 

We don’t know about you, but we find that unacceptable.

Still, we’re glad that she got the star, and we’re glad that if you should happen to be strolling down N. Vine Street, you can stop at 1750 N. Vine and see the name “TINA TURNER” emblazoned upon the sidewalk. Whatever the cost, it was worth it.