In commemoration of the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Tina Turner, we’ve curated a selection of six of her most magnificent songs.
The world of music mourns the loss of an icon as Tina Turner, the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll”, passed away at the age of 83.
Her electrifying performances, powerful voice, and indomitable spirit left an indelible mark on the music industry, inspiring generations of artists and fans alike.
As we reflect on her incredible career and the legacy she leaves behind, the WhatsOn Culture team has decided to pay homage to this extraordinary artist by sharing top 5 favouriteTina Turner songs.
“A Fool in Love” (1960)
In 1960, a small, poor microphone faced a dangerous situation. Its task was to record Tina Turner’s powerful voice for the song “A Fool in Love.” I imagine the microphone was scared and hoping it wouldn’t break from the force of Tina’s singing. “A Fool in Love” was the first song released by Ike & Tina Turner, and it quickly gained attention. It was filled with rawness, energy, and showcased Tina’s amazing talent. Originally, the song was written for Art Lassiter, but he didn’t show up for the recording. So Ike asked Tina (known as “Little Ann” back then) to record a demo. When the record executive at Sue Records heard Tina’s version, they insisted on keeping her vocals for the final release. The rest is history.
“Proud Mary” (1970)
When it comes to Tina Turner, there’s one song that immediately comes to my mind. Of course it’s “Proud Mary.” Sure, it was originally written and performed by John Fogerty and his Creedence Clearwater Revival crew back in 1969, but let’s face it, Tina took the track to a whole new level. With all due respect to John and the boys, but this is one of those instances where the cover surpasses the original in every way. Tina’s electric rendition, released in 1970 during her tenure as one half of the married duo Ike and Tina Turner, played a pivotal role in propelling her to global stardom. Tina tears into “Proud Mary” with a sassy, soulful ferocity that demands the listener’s attention. The lyrics convey the idea of leaving behind painful and stressful situations in order to embrace a better life – something which Tina would go on to achieve in her own tumultuous relationship with Ike. After the single’s release, it swiftly rose to the No.4 spot on Billboard’s pop chart, sold more than 1 million copies, and secured Turner her first of an astonishing eight Grammy Awards.
“What’s Love Got to Do With It” (1984)
Tina Turner’s career in the 1980s was defined by the song “What’s Love Got to Do With It.” It revived her popularity and became one of her greatest hits. Initially, she disliked the song when she first read the lyrics. However, she eventually embraced it, creating a powerful and heartfelt track with her raw, throaty rasp. The song sold over 2,000,000 copies worldwide and earned her three Grammys. Additionally, there is a climbing route named after the song on Cerro Torre in Patagonia.
“Private Dancer” (1985)
Tina Turner’s comeback album, titled “Private Dancer,” holds a special meaning for me. It’s 1984, and although the song could be about a prostitute or a stripper, Tina’s heartfelt rendition suggests it represents any woman forced to do things she despises with a smile. As Tina wrote in her autobiography, many of us have experienced situations where we had to sell ourselves in some way. Against all odds, Tina restarted her career in her 40s after divorcing her abusive husband, Ike Turner, with whom she had built her entire career. The album’s immense success proved doubters wrong and became a symbol of triumph. In my opinion, this album, featuring the empowering anthem of a “Private Dancer,” brought Tina Turner great fortune.
“The Best” (1989)
Tina transformed another cover into something completely different. Bonnie Tyler’s original version of “The Best” was a hit, but not on the charts. Then Tina got hold of the song and released her own version. It was packed with 80s-style production, including shredding guitars, synth keyboards, and iconic saxophone solos. But what really made it special was Tina’s voice. Her rock-god croon belted out the chorus line “You’re Simply the Best” with a mix of world-weary charm and euphoria, challenging you to sing along. The song became an international hit, boosting Tyler’s confidence in her song choices. It became one of Tina’s signature songs, so much so that its title became synonymous with Tina herself. Tina Turner is simply the best.
