A Celebration of Tina Turner and Peter Lindbergh’s Enduring Partnership

Tina Turner and Peter Lindbergh shared a profound understanding. These two titans of their respective fields, the legendary singer and the highly influential photographer, created some of the most memorable images of the 20th century. Their collaboration was lively, experimental, and deeply personal, forming the basis of Taschen’s latest publication: Tina Turner by Peter Lindbergh.

This book offers an intimate glimpse into the personal life of the music icon.

Their journey started with a hurried fax—a communication method perhaps unfamiliar to today’s generation—inquiring about Lindbergh’s availability for a two-week Paris photoshoot in the summer of 1989. The urgency of the message, from Turner’s long-term manager, Roger Davies, was clear: Lindbergh was the only choice.

By then, Turner was already a global phenomenon. The undisputed Queen of Rock, her resilience, exceptional talent, and compelling personal story were deeply woven into the fabric of American culture. Having orchestrated one of music history’s most remarkable comebacks—re-emerging with a fresh image, distinct sound, and renewed importance—Turner was no stranger to the camera. Impressing her would be a considerable challenge. However, Lindbergh, renowned for his editorial work, magazine covers, and celebrity portraits, was also at the peak of his career. Their extended collaboration could have been just another assignment; instead, it blossomed into a long-lasting artistic partnership that significantly influenced both of their lives.

It’s easy to harbor preconceived notions about a celebrity of Turner’s stature. Mentioning her name instantly evokes memories: the powerful vocals of “Proud Mary,” the command she held over massive audiences, or her iconic strut across Paramount Studios’ backlot to the rhythm of “What’s Love Got to Do With It.” Numerous significant moments in Turner’s life have been widely broadcast and deeply ingrained in collective memory.

This widespread familiarity sometimes overshadows the fact that, to those closest to her, she was simply Tina, a woman known for her quiet strength and unpretentious nature.

Beyond her close circle, few experienced Turner’s more reserved side. However, Lindbergh’s lens captured this, along with many other aspects of her private self. Browsing through outtakes, behind-the-scenes shots, and never-before-seen photos, viewers are introduced to a different side of this woman: humorous, thoughtful, and even slightly shy.

Lindbergh’s fashion photography was characterized by its honest depiction of reality. In contrast to the highly stylized imagery prevalent in most fashion magazines of the 1990s, his evocative black-and-white photographs often featured renowned beauties in casual attire, without any retouching. Authenticity was the underlying message in his pictures of supermodels—Kate Moss, Linda Evangelista, Claudia Schiffer, and Helena Christensen—showing a vulnerability usually absent from those images. Lindbergh’s portraits of Turner revealed the icon’s inner vulnerability.

The book functions as a compilation of the most memorable moments of Turner and Lindbergh’s time together. The photos, spanning three decades, encompass everything from elaborate fashion shoots to candid snapshots, all united by their straightforward honesty. The book allows the viewer an intimate behind-the-scenes glimpse of Turner laughing with Lindbergh, from her 1996 Hanes commercials he directed, to a quiet moment in a Parisian café.

Other photographs portray Turner at her powerful best, fully embracing her stage persona. Only someone like her could confidently pose precariously on the Eiffel Tower, with the Parisian streets stretching into the distance behind her. She is shown alongside Azzedine Alaïa, another close collaborator, modeling the gold beaded mini dress from his Spring/Summer 1989 collection—a signature look that became synonymous with her.

Erwin Bach’s foreword, Turner’s husband, sheds light on the chemistry between Turner and Lindbergh. He explains that Lindbergh’s unpretentious nature and genuine interest in his subjects charmed Turner, noting Lindbergh’s ability to see Turner as a “work of art, a fashion & beauty icon and most importantly, a joyous, powerful, and deeply spiritual woman.” He emphasizes the mutual respect that fueled their collaboration, stating that Turner’s trust stemmed from their intellectual exchange, resulting in images that brought Lindbergh’s vision to life.

This playful connection pervades every image Lindbergh captured. Their partnership extended beyond a simple photoshoot. Turner herself best captures their bond: “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 stated. She described their collaboration as a playful partnership, emphasizing their shared willingness to experiment, resulting in “magic!”

Turner’s lasting artistic impact is undeniable; it’s evident in the dynamic stage presence of Beyoncé, the distinctive vocals of Miley Cyrus, and the energetic choreography of Megan Thee Stallion. Turner remains a benchmark for performers. Seeing the woman behind the music and the electrifying performances makes this book even more meaningful.

The book allows us to discover a new facet of a woman we believed we already knew, viewed through the lens of the photographer who understood her most deeply.