A Celebrated Creative Partnership: Taschen’s Tribute to Tina Turner and Peter Lindbergh

Tina Turner and Peter Lindbergh shared a remarkable understanding. Both renowned in their fields—she a music icon, he a prolific photographer—they produced some of the most memorable images of the 20th century. This collaboration, energetic, experimental, and profoundly personal, is the focus of Taschen’s latest publication, Simply the Best: Tina Turner by Peter Lindbergh.

This book provides a glimpse into the private life of the music legend. Their journey begins with an urgent fax inquiring if Lindbergh would photograph Turner for a two-week period in Paris during the summer of 1989. The sense of urgency in the message from Roger Davies, Turner’s long-time manager, is palpable. Lindbergh was the ideal choice; he simply needed to respond.

By the time they met, Turner was already a global superstar. The undisputed Queen of Rock, she epitomized resilience and exceptional talent. Her music, stage presence, and personal story had become integral to American culture. Having already achieved a remarkable comeback in music, she had a well-established image and was accustomed to being photographed. Impressing her would be a challenge, yet Lindbergh, celebrated for his editorial work, magazine covers, and celebrity portraits, was at the peak of his career. Their collaboration could have been just another assignment; instead, it became a lasting artistic partnership impacting both their lives.

One might expect a certain preconception about a celebrity of Turner’s stature. Mentioning her name might evoke “Proud Mary,” visions of commanding a stadium, or her iconic walk. Countless moments in Turner’s life were spectacular, televised, and ingrained in public memory. This often overshadows the fact that to many, she was simply Tina, a woman of quiet strength and simplicity.

Beyond her closest companions, few witnessed Turner’s more reserved side; however, Lindbergh’s lens captured this and other facets of her personality. Reviewing the outtakes, behind-the-scenes images, and previously unseen photographs gives the impression of meeting a new person—a woman humorous, thoughtful, and even slightly shy. Lindbergh was recognized in the fashion world for the authenticity in his editorial photography. Differing from the high-glamour style prevalent in many fashion magazines of the 1990s, his evocative black-and-white pictures frequently featured top models in casual, unretouched attire. In his images of supermodels—Kate Moss, Linda Evangelista, Claudia Schiffer, and Helena Christensen—honesty was paramount. In his portraits of Turner, Lindbergh revealed the icon’s vulnerability.

The book is a collection of Turner and Lindbergh’s collaborations. The images span three decades, ranging from elaborate fashion shoots to candid snapshots, all united by their honesty. The reader feels like an observer viewing Turner laughing with Lindbergh during the filming of her 1996 Hanes commercials; seeing the superstar in a Parisian café enjoying a moment of anonymity; and witnessing Turner’s comfort alongside her mother during the filming of her album cover.

Other pictures depict Turner at her most powerful, showcasing her performance prowess. Only she would pose precariously on the Eiffel Tower. A fashion icon frequently featured in mood boards, Turner is shown with Azzedine Alaïa, another collaborator, wearing a gold beaded fringe mini dress—one of her signature looks.

The foreword by Turner’s husband, Erwin Bach, explains their connection. Bach admired Lindbergh’s lack of pretense and genuine interest in his subjects. He credits Lindbergh with seeing Turner as a “work of art, a fashion and beauty icon, and, most importantly, a joyful, powerful, and deeply spiritual woman.” Bach highlights their mutual respect. He emphasizes the trust that allowed them to collaborate effectively.

This playful connection is evident in every image Lindbergh captured of Turner. Their collaboration transcended a simple photoshoot. Turner herself articulated it best: “Sometimes I felt he could see into my soul—Peter had a unique ability to capture all sides of me—the woman, the child, the prankster, the seeker, the true believer,” she said. “We were partners in crime. He was willing to try anything—and so was I! Together, we made magic!”

Turner’s enduring artistic impact is undeniable—seen in Beyoncé’s stage presence, Miley Cyrus’ vocals, or Megan Thee Stallion’s choreography. As a performer, Turner remains a benchmark, making the portrayal of the woman behind the hits even more significant. The book allows us to see a new side of a familiar icon, through the perspective of the photographer who knew her best.