September 4, 2023
Craig, a PhD candidate in religious studies at Stanford, debuts with a finely drawn portrait of the “queen of rock ’n’ roll” and the spiritual beliefs that animated her life, from the gospel tradition of her childhood to her turn toward “metaphysical religion” (think psychics and spiritual seeking) during the 1960s and early ’70s to her embrace of Buddhism. While Turner’s abusive relationship with her bandmate and husband Ike Turner is well-known, less so is how the Buddhist tradition of chanting helped her summon the strength to leave him in 1976; according to Craig, Turner considered her introduction to the practice to be an “indication that her place in the universe was indeed being rearranged.” As Turner’s career skyrocketed, her religious devotion deepened and she eventually became “one of the highest-profile African American Buddhists.” After she retired from live performances in May 2009 at age 69, she spent her latter years working as a Buddhist teacher and recording interfaith albums. Craig skillfully balances rigorous research with insight into Turner’s psyche to unearth new dimensions of her life and career, and in the process gives welcome due to the oft-neglected role of Black Americans in the history of Buddhism in the West. Even the most ardent of Turner’s fans will be enlightened.
October 15, 2023
Craig, a scholar of South Asian Buddhism and American religious history at Stanford, explores how religion can shape lives both personally and professionally in this study of artist Tina Turner's spiritual journey. When Turner was young and a member of the Black Baptist church, her maternal grandmother introduced her to such spiritual practices as mysticism, Native American traditions, and supernaturalism, and Craig tracks how diverse influences, including Buddhism, Afro-Protestantism, and metaphysical beliefs inspired and guided the pop star. Despite encountering numerous challenges, Turner remained steadfast in her faith and embraced Buddhism as her guide for self-discovery and personal growth. By narrating Turner's spiritual journey in relation to larger movements in recent religious and music history, Craig considers the way religion and pop culture intersect. Those interested in either field will appreciate how Craig's research honors Turner's legacy as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all those seeking to find their path in life.
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October 27, 2023
Buddhism specialist Craig utilizes his knowledge of comparative theology and Buddhism in this study of Tina Turner's lifelong religious journey. He maintains Turner's spirituality is the center of her story, one that began with her motherless childhood. Raised under the influence of two grandmothers--one believed in mysticism and supernaturalism, and one was a devout Baptist--Turner eventually came to consider herself a Buddhist Baptist, and she developed a love for cultural universalism. She began chanting to survive and escape from her abusive first husband, Ike Turner. This book, which has a scholarly tone, shows that Turner responded to social issues through her understanding of karma. After her retirement from performing live, Turner began her conscious transformation into a religious authority and teacher, using her life experiences to illustrate Buddhist concepts. Craig draws from her three autobiographies, including Happiness Becomes You, her guide to changing one's life for the better, to illustrate her profound faith and determination to change society's failings. VERDICT With Turner's recent death, this tome is a thoughtful tribute. Its scholarly approach may appeal more to students of religion and pop culture than the average Turner fan.--Lisa Henry
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