Ford Invests $150,000 to Honor Tina Turner with a Bronze Statue in Her Hometown of Brownsville, Tennessee
Tina Turner — the electrifying voice behind rock anthems like The Best and Private Dancer — is about to be immortalized in a way few artists ever are. The city of Brownsville, Tennessee, where the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll was born, is preparing to unveil a life-size bronze statue of the music icon. And the surprising part? The entire project is being funded by none other than the Ford Motor Company.
This isn’t just a public art project — it’s a powerful tribute to a woman who overcame adversity to become one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. For Ford, the gesture is part of its commitment to honoring cultural icons and advancing community equity through its philanthropic arm, Ford Philanthropy.
“Tina Turner is not just a global star,” said a Ford spokesperson. “She’s a product of this land — and her story continues to inspire millions. We want to make sure that legacy lives on.”
The Details Behind the Statue
The statue, which will stand at 7 feet tall (approximately 2.1 meters), will be cast in solid bronze and placed in Brownsville’s Heritage Park — just steps away from Carver High School, which Turner attended as a teenager.
Brownsville officials are working with regional sculptors to select an artist who can capture Tina’s signature power and grace. The sculpture is set to depict her during her iconic 1980s era: big hair, leather jacket, and fierce stage presence. The unveiling is scheduled for September 2025, during the town’s annual Heritage Days festival.
How the Town Is Reacting
In this small town of just over 10,000 residents, excitement is building. Longtime locals who remember Tina from her early days singing in church choirs are overwhelmed with emotion.
“I saw her sing when she was just a kid. No one imagined she’d one day change the world,” said a retired teacher.
The local school district is also planning a student essay competition titled “What Tina Turner Means to Me,” hoping to educate the next generation about her legacy of resilience and empowerment.
Why Ford’s Involvement Matters
Ford’s $150,000 sponsorship isn’t just about building a statue — it’s about investing in legacy. The automaker is framing this initiative as part of its broader campaign to highlight cultural contributors from underrepresented backgrounds and foster local pride in American heritage.
It’s a rare corporate gesture, and one that has caught the attention of national media. By backing this tribute, Ford is helping ensure that Tina’s story — from humble roots to global superstardom — continues to resonate far beyond her music.
Tina Turner’s Legacy Lives On
Though she passed away in 2023 at the age of 83, Tina Turner’s influence has never faded. Her journey — escaping domestic violence, reinventing herself in midlife, conquering global charts — made her not only a musical powerhouse but a symbol of endurance, transformation, and raw authenticity.
She sold over 100 million records, won 8 Grammy Awards, and inspired generations of artists — but perhaps her greatest legacy is the example she set for what’s possible when you refuse to give up.
From Brownsville to the World — and Back Again
For Tina Turner, coming home was never a straight line. But now, through this tribute in the very town where her journey began, the circle is complete.
As one local historian put it:
“She started here. Now she’ll stand here — forever.”