Evelyn Juanita Currie and Ruby Alline Bullock are sisters of one of the most iconic singers of all time – Tina Turner. Over the course of her legendary career spanning several decades, she has sold over 100 million records worldwide. However, not many people know about her sisters who played significant roles in her life and career. We will explore Tina Turner’s sisters – Evelyn Juanita Currie and Ruby Alline Bullock, and discuss whether her sister is still alive today.
1. Who was Evelyn Juanita Currie?
The Evelyn Juanita Currie was Tina Turner’s half-sister from her mother Zelma Priscilla’s previous relationship. Born in 1934, Evelyn was two years older than Tina. She was raised by their grandmother Georgeanna Currie in Brownsville, Tennessee after her parents separated. Evelyn shared a close bond with Tina and was one of the few people who truly understood her.
Tragically, Evelyn passed away in a car accident in January 1954 at the young age of 20. She and her cousin Margaret Currie were involved in an accident and sustained injuries. While Margaret passed away instantly, Evelyn succumbed to her injuries later. Her untimely demise had a profound impact on Tina who was deeply saddened by the loss of her beloved sister. Evelyn continues to hold a special place in Tina’s heart to this day.
2. Who was Ruby Alline Bullock?
Ruby Alline Bullock, also known as Alline or Aillene, was Tina Turner’s full sister. Born in 1936 in Nutbush, Tennessee, she was three years older than Tina. Ruby played a significant role in Tina’s musical career and personal life. She worked as the manager of the girl group The Ikettes and contributed to songwriting for Ike & Tina Turner as well as their band The Kings of Rhythm.
One of her notable compositions was “Funkier Than a Mosquito’s Tweeter”, which was later covered by Nina Simone. Ruby also helped Tina navigate difficult periods in her life and marriage to Ike Turner, providing her invaluable support. The sisters shared a close bond throughout their lives. Ruby sadly passed away on September 4, 2010 at the age of 73, leaving behind a rich legacy in the music industry.
3. Is Tina’s sister Rubystill alive?
No, Tina Turner’s sister Ruby Alline Bullock is no longer alive. As mentioned earlier, she passed away in 2010 at the age of 73. She played a multifaceted role in Tina’s career and personal life, managing her girl group, contributing songs, and supporting her through challenging times.
Ruby was not only a sister to Tina but also her confidante, creative partner and strength during her hardest moments like a troublesome marriage with Ike Turner. It is through the dedication and commitment of Ruby that paved the way to the tenacity of Tina and her ultimate success. Ruby was a wonderful and intimate part of the trip though she worked in the background. Tina lost one of her most dependable and cherished friends, therefore her death left a huge hole in her life. Although not as famous as her iconic sister, the work of Ruby Alline Bullock on the legacy of Tina is still, however, quietly significant and greatly appreciated.
4. Ruby Bullock’s impact on Tina Turner’s career
Ruby Bullock had a profound impact on kickstarting Tina Turner’s musical career. It was through her relationship with Kings of Rhythm drummer Eugene Washington that Tina, then known as Anna Mae, was introduced to the band and started performing with them as a vocalist. In 1960, Tina adopted her stage name after which she and Ike formed the hugely successful Ike & Tina Turner revue. Ruby served as the manager of their backing singers group The Ikettes from 1961 to 1966. She was instrumental in promoting Ike & Tina Turner’s act globally.
5. Tina Turner’s thoughts on her sisters
Tina Turner has openly expressed how much her sisters meant to her. She considered Evelyn as the only one who truly understood her. Evelyn’s untimely demise had a deep impact on her. About Ruby, Tina said “She was always there for me, through good and bad, and I will always appreciate her love and support.” In her autobiography, Tina described Ruby as her “anchor” who helped her navigate personal and professional crises over the years.
Tina tended to think that she had one of the most significant relationships in her life with her sisters. The first ones who supported and accompanied her in her challenging childhood in Nutbush, Tennessee, were her sisters. Tina never forgot the silent support her sisters gave her in her darkest hours, even as she became a worldwide celebrity. She claimed that their love was the balancing power, which helped her to be loyal to her and heritage. Tina had been deprived very much when she had lost both her sisters, and she bore with her the memory of them the residue of her wonderful life, and revered them in secret with a profound love and gratitude.
6. Memories of growing up with sisters in Nutbush
Recalling her early years in Nutbush, Tennessee, with her sisters Evelyn and Ruby, Tina Turner cherishes warm recollections. She has discussed how the three sisters had a strong relationship and took care of one another in interviews. As sharecroppers, they were poor, but they managed to make the most of their situation. Tina recalls her early church days spent singing with her sisters.
7. Sisters’ influence on Tina Turner’s musical talents
Evelyn and Ruby were instrumental in fostering Tina Turner’s musical abilities from a young age. The sisters would frequently sing together in their neighbourhood church as they grew up in Nutbush. This aided Tina in the early development of her strong vocals and theatrical presence. Ruby kept supporting Tina’s singing and introducing her to the St. Louis music community even after Evelyn Juanita Currie’suntimely death.
8. How Tina paid tribute to her sisters
Tina Turner made unique memorials to remember her adored sisters. In 1986, she dedicated her autobiography “I, Tina” to Evelyn, who referred to her as her “Little Sister”. In interviews throughout the years, Tina has also talked positively of Evelyn and Ruby, recalling their early years and the help they gave them. The lyric “Sisters all got to be free” from her hit song “Better Be Good To Me” pays homage to Evelyn and Ruby.
In addition to these acts, Tina made sure that her sisters’ memory endured in more intimate ways. Even in her later years of quiet retirement, she reportedly honored Evelyn and Ruby’s presence by keeping priceless pictures of them in her Swiss house. Tina would frequently talk about her sisters with great warmth and a sense of intense desire, according to friends and close companions. She saw Ruby and Evelyn as her angelic protectors, keeping an eye on her from above. Tina saw honoring her sisters as a profoundly spiritual and emotional act of love that represented the strong link they had shared from childhood, rather than just a public gesture.
9 Lessons learnt from her sisters
Tina Turner claims that her sisters Evelyn and Ruby taught her some very important life skills. She saw how strong and resilient they were in the face of bigotry and poverty, managing to overcome obstacles. This gave Tina the motivation to keep going for her goals in spite of everything. She learned the value of having someone to lean on in trying times from Ruby in particular. Tina treasures their family’s unwavering love and support for one another. Together, we overcame catastrophes and learned the value of cherishing family.
Evelyn taught Tina to appreciate the importance of self-worth and dignity, which taught her very well, when struggling with life and hardship. The fact that she saw her sisters cope with life difficulties with grace and a silent determination helped Tina to develop her own unshaken spirit and a sense of fierce independence. Ruby was always devoted to her family and never doubted that devotion and selflessness were the most pure kinds of love. These teachings acted as the moral compass of Tina when she was at her lowest point like her turbulent marriage, and her struggle to achieve personal liberation. Tina has often confessed that she may not have been as brave as she ultimately became to reclaim her life and climb to the heights she ultimately did without the guidance and example of Evelyn and Ruby.
10. Conclusion
Tina Turner’s sisters Evelyn Juanita Currie and Ruby Alline Bullock played profoundly significant roles in her life and career. While Evelyn’s untimely demise deeply impacted Tina, Ruby was by her side for over 50 years providing invaluable support both personally and professionally. From recognising her talents to managing her performances, Ruby helped launch Tina’s journey to superstardom. Even after her sisters’ death, their memories and influences continued to inspire Tina. They taught her valuable life lessons of resilience, strength and cherishing loved ones. Tina Turner also breathed her last on 24th May 2023 but had ensured that the contributions of her beloved sisters Evelyn and Ruby were never forgotten.
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