LEARNING FROM LEGENDS

honoring the lessons and legacies of Tina Turner, Lenny Kravitz, & Prince

by SAVNT

As someone who has loved music my entire life, I’m always seeking ways to make each live performance more engaging and impactful.

Performing live is the most intoxicating and spiritual experience an artist can undertake. It’s the moment – whether it’s three minutes or an hour – where you transcend your own being and become fully immersed in the music. All the hours of work culminate in that instant, and when the crowd sings along, there’s nothing that compares to it.

Every opportunity to perform is a blessing, and I intend to seize it every time. That’s what everyone who comes to see me deserves, and most importantly, that’s what my soul craves. It feels like an endless journey to ignite that spark – that energy that can light up a stage and move an audience in a way they’ll never forget.

Black artists have dominated and shaped the music world across every genre – from blues to rock, soul to country, and funk to rap. Legends exist in all corners of the musical landscape. When I think about the artists who’ve truly mastered the art of connection, three names stand out: Tina Turner, Lenny Kravitz, and Prince. These musicians carved their own paths, blending genres and infusing their performances with something electrifying, magnetic, and transformative. They’ve been my greatest sources of inspiration for as long as I can remember, and as someone aiming to leave a lasting legacy, I often look to their iconic performances for lessons. These artists didn’t just perform – they became the music. By sharing what I’ve learned from them, I hope to inspire others to pour their heart into whatever they do.

Let’s start with the Queen of energy and authenticity, Tina Turner.

If there’s one thing she’s taught me through her performances, it’s the raw power of unyielding energy. Her 1982 performance of “Jumpin’ Jack Flash/It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll” in London is a perfect example of how to elevate a song into something much greater than just music. Tina infused her performance with a palpable, magnetic energy that was unmatched. She wasn’t just on stage – she owned it, pouring every ounce of her spirit into each movement.

For me, this performance is a masterclass in commanding the stage. It’s not just about hitting the notes – it’s about fully inhabiting the moment. Tina’s performances were electric because she made the audience feel every word, every note, every beat.

That’s the kind of energy I strive to bring; but to do that, you can’t just stand there and sing – you have to make the crowd believe in you, in your message, and in the music you’re delivering. Tina taught me that confidence and strength combined can transform a good performance into an unforgettable one.

Next, there’s Lenny Kravitz.

I’m a huge admirer of how he blends rock with blues, soul, and funk, and how his performances radiate a fearless individuality that I try to channel in my own music. I watched his 2014 iTunes Festival performance countless times last year while preparing for my first Ghost Hounds show at The Roxian in Pittsburgh, PA.

What stands out most about Lenny is his ability to be himself unapologetically. He doesn’t try to fit into any box or conform to what people expect. He effortlessly blends genres and embodies whatever musical style he chooses, yet still remains undeniably Lenny. Watching him reminds me that true greatness comes from expressing yourself fully and without compromise. One of the biggest lessons I’ve taken from him is: stay true to your vision, your sound, and your soul.

Don’t let anyone dictate who you should be as an artist.

Of course, I had to save the best for last, Prince.

If any artist has completely reshaped my perspective on live shows, it’s him. Prince was more than just a musician – he was a showman, a visionary, and an innovator. His 2007 Super Bowl halftime performance is still considered one of the greatest in history. It’s impossible to doubt his mastery of his craft.

Watch the performance here.

What I’ve learned from Prince is the importance of reinvention and breaking boundaries. He never remained static – he was always evolving, seeking new sounds, techniques, and ways to captivate his audience while keeping himself inspired. He took risks, and those risks paid off in ways few artists can match. Watching him perform at Madison Square Garden, I realized that every live show is an opportunity to tell a new story. For any artist aiming for a legendary career, this is the key: Don’t stay in your comfort zone. Always move forward, always be ready to grow, and never stop keeping the mystery alive.

Tina Turner, Lenny Kravitz, and Prince have all taught me so much – and I still get chills every time I watch their performances, even after seeing them hundreds of times.

It’s clear to me that legendary performances are about more than just playing songs – they’re about creating an experience. It’s about giving your audience something they can’t find anywhere else – a piece of your soul, a moment that extends beyond the music itself.

To wrap it up, these three icons will always serve as my sources of inspiration: How they commanded the stage, stayed true to their unique sound, and continually pushed the boundaries of music.

While these are my big three, I’d be remiss if I didn’t also shout out Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Doechii, Seal and Sade.

For anyone aspiring to leave their own mark on the world, these legends teach us one essential lesson: greatness comes when you connect with your audience, perform with authenticity, and remain fearless in every aspect of life. That’s how you build a legacy. – SAVNT