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The Ville, Northside, Riverview
Tina Turner Mural
4157 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive
Open to public / Not Open to public
Damaged by tornado
Unveiled in November 2024 as part of a community-led initiative, the mural at 4157 MLK Drive in the Ville neighborhood pays tribute to the life and legacy of Tina Turner, who lived nearby and graduated from Sumner High School. The mural was painted by William Burton Jr. and William Burton III. The artwork captures her rise from local performances at Club Imperial to international stardom.
The mural’s unveiling brought together local leaders, alumni, and Turner’s former bandmate Robbie Montgomery, who noted that Turner “would really appreciate this because St Louis is simply the best.” Sumner High Principal Dr. Ronda Wallace described how the mural has become “my inspiration to walk the halls of Sumner High School to be greater than I am today.”
Facing the site of the storm‑damaged Harlem Tap Room, the mural stands as both a tribute to Turner and a symbol of resilience and cultural pride. Its prominent location and powerful imagery make it a beacon of hope, reminding residents and visitors alike of the transformative power of local heritage.
SOURCE: The historical information presented on this page is adapted with permission from Discovering African American St. Louis: A Guide to Historic Sites by Dr. John A. Wright, Sr. We are honored to share his invaluable research and historical insights, made available through the generous consent of Dr. Wright and the Missouri Historical Society Press. Their dedication to preserving and celebrating the rich legacy of Black St. Louis is a gift to our community—a testament to those who came before us and a guide for those who walk the path forward.
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