Tina Turner, born Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939, is an American-born Swiss singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer. She rose to prominence in the 1960s as part of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, a musical duo with her then-husband Ike Turner. Turner’s powerful voice, dynamic stage presence, and electrifying performances made her a standout figure in the music industry.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Tina Turner embarked on a successful solo career, releasing albums like “Private Dancer” (1984), which included hit songs such as “What’s Love Got to Do with It” and “Private Dancer.” The album marked a significant comeback for Turner and established her as a solo artist of international acclaim.
Turner’s distinctive voice, energetic stage performances, and her ability to fuse rock, pop, and soul have made her a global icon. Her achievements include numerous Grammy Awards, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Beyond her musical career, Tina Turner has also made a mark in film and television, with notable roles in movies like “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome” (1985) and her autobiographical film “What’s Love Got to Do with It” (1993), based on her life story.
Tina Turner’s legacy extends far beyond her impact on music; she is recognized as one of the greatest entertainers in the history of popular music. Her resilience, talent, and enduring appeal have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.
1. What’s Love Got to Do With It
“What’s Love Got to Do with It” is a song by Tina Turner, released in 1984 as the lead single from her fifth solo album, “Private Dancer.” The song marked a significant turning point in Turner’s career, propelling her to international superstardom and earning her widespread acclaim.
Written by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, “What’s Love Got to Do with It” features a catchy and distinctive synth-pop sound. The lyrics explore the theme of love and relationships, questioning the role of love in the face of practical and realistic considerations. The chorus, with Turner belting out the iconic line “What’s love got to do, got to do with it?” became one of the most memorable moments in her career.
The success of “What’s Love Got to Do with It” was unprecedented, earning Tina Turner Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. The song reached the top of the charts in multiple countries, solidifying Turner’s comeback as a solo artist.
The music video for the song, featuring Turner’s energetic performance, contributed to its widespread popularity. “What’s Love Got to Do with It” remains one of Tina Turner’s signature songs and a classic in the pop and rock genres.
2. Private Dancer
“Private Dancer” is a song by Tina Turner, released in 1984 as the title track of her fifth solo album. The song was written by Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits. “Private Dancer” marked a significant comeback for Tina Turner and became one of her signature songs.
The lyrics of “Private Dancer” tell the story of a woman working as a private dancer and the emotional toll it takes on her. The song explores themes of loneliness, desperation, and the desire for a connection. Turner’s powerful and soulful vocals convey the emotional depth of the lyrics.
“Private Dancer” was a commercial success, reaching high positions on various charts worldwide. The song earned Tina Turner several awards and nominations, and it remains a classic in her repertoire. The album of the same name also revitalized Turner’s career and established her as a solo force in the music industry.
3. We Don’t Need Another Hero
“We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)” is a song by Tina Turner, released in 1985 as the theme song for the film “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome,” in which Turner also played a prominent role. The song was written by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, the same team behind Turner’s hit “What’s Love Got to Do with It.”
“We Don’t Need Another Hero” has a powerful and anthemic quality, capturing the post-apocalyptic themes of the “Mad Max” film. The lyrics reflect on the need for heroism and hope in a world devastated by conflict and chaos. The chorus, with Turner singing “We don’t need another hero, we don’t need to know the way home,” became a memorable and impactful rallying cry.
The song achieved commercial success, reaching high chart positions in multiple countries. The accompanying music video, featuring scenes from “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome” and Turner’s dynamic performance, added to the song’s popularity.
“We Don’t Need Another Hero” stands as one of Tina Turner’s notable contributions to the soundtrack of the 1980s, showcasing her ability to deliver powerful and socially relevant songs. The track remains a classic in the context of both Turner’s discography and the cultural impact of the “Mad Max” film series.
4. The Best
“The Best” is a song by Tina Turner, released in 1989 on her album “Foreign Affair.” The song was written by Mike Chapman and Holly Knight. “The Best” became one of Tina Turner’s most successful and recognizable songs.
The lyrics of “The Best” celebrate love and partnership, expressing the sentiment that the person being addressed is the best thing that has ever happened. The song features powerful vocals from Tina Turner, and its anthemic chorus contributed to its popularity.
“The Best” was a commercial success, reaching high chart positions in various countries. It became a signature song for Tina Turner and is often associated with her dynamic stage performances. The track’s uplifting and empowering message, coupled with Turner’s energetic delivery, has made it enduring and well-loved among her fans.
5. Typical Male
“Typical Male” is a song by Tina Turner, released in 1986 on her album “Break Every Rule.” The song was written by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle.
“Typical Male” is an upbeat rock-pop track that explores gender stereotypes and the dynamics of a romantic relationship. Tina Turner’s dynamic vocals and the song’s catchy chorus contribute to its energetic and empowering vibe.
The song was a commercial success, reaching high chart positions in various countries. The accompanying music video, featuring Turner in various glamorous outfits, added to the song’s popularity. “Typical Male” became one of Tina Turner’s well-known hits and showcased her ability to blend rock, pop, and soul elements in her music.
6. Let’s Stay Together
“Let’s Stay Together” is a classic soul song performed by Tina Turner. However, it’s important to note that the original version of the song was written and recorded by Al Green in 1971. Green’s version became one of his signature songs and a quintessential track in the soul genre.
Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” is known for its smooth and romantic melody, and it became a chart-topping hit. The song expresses sentiments of love and commitment, and its enduring appeal has made it a popular choice for weddings and romantic occasions.
Tina Turner covered “Let’s Stay Together” in 1983 for her album “Private Dancer.” While staying true to the original’s soulful essence, Turner infused her rendition with her powerful vocals and a touch of rock-infused energy. The cover became a success in its own right and contributed to Turner’s resurgence as a solo artist.
Both Al Green’s and Tina Turner’s versions of “Let’s Stay Together” showcase the timeless quality of the song and the ability of different artists to interpret it in their own distinctive styles.
7. Better Be Good to Me
“Better Be Good to Me” is a song performed by Tina Turner, released in 1984 on her album “Private Dancer.” The song was written by Holly Knight, Mike Chapman, and Nicky Chinn and became one of Tina Turner’s notable hits during her solo career.
“Better Be Good to Me” is a rock-influenced track with a powerful and dynamic sound. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of independence and assertiveness, with Turner warning a partner that they had “better be good” to her. The track showcases Turner’s strong vocals and her ability to deliver a commanding and emotive performance.
The song received critical acclaim and commercial success, earning Tina Turner a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance in 1985. The music video for “Better Be Good to Me” features Turner’s energetic stage presence and contributed to the song’s popularity.
“Better Be Good to Me” remains a memorable part of Tina Turner’s solo discography and reflects the successful transition she made from her earlier R&B and soul sound to a more rock-oriented style during the “Private Dancer” era.
8. Goldeneye
“GoldenEye” is a song performed by Tina Turner, released in 1995 as the theme song for the James Bond film of the same name. The song was written by Bono and The Edge of U2.
“GoldenEye” marked Tina Turner’s return to the music scene and became one of her notable hits. The lyrics are inspired by the film’s themes of espionage and intrigue. Turner’s powerful and soulful vocals, combined with the dramatic orchestration, contributed to the song’s success.
The track was well-received and achieved commercial success, reaching high positions on various charts. “GoldenEye” is often regarded as one of the standout Bond theme songs, and Tina Turner’s rendition is celebrated for capturing the essence of the iconic spy film series.
9. River Deep, Mountain High
“River Deep, Mountain High” is a classic song originally performed by Ike & Tina Turner. It was released in 1966 as a single and was produced by Phil Spector, known for his distinctive “Wall of Sound” production style. The song is regarded as one of the greatest achievements in Spector’s career.
“River Deep, Mountain High” is known for its grand and sweeping production, featuring lush orchestration and a powerful vocal performance by Tina Turner. The lyrics express profound love and devotion, drawing on the metaphor of nature to convey the depth and height of emotional connection.
Despite being critically acclaimed, the song did not perform as well on the charts in the United States as expected. However, it achieved greater success in Europe and is now recognized as a classic and influential piece of pop music history.
Tina Turner’s rendition of “River Deep, Mountain High” is often celebrated for her soulful and electrifying delivery. The song remains a testament to the enduring talent of Ike & Tina Turner and their impact on the evolution of rock and soul music.
10. Proud Mary
“Proud Mary” is a classic rock song written by John Fogerty and originally recorded by his band, Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), in 1969. However, it’s most famously associated with Tina Turner, who released her electrifying cover in 1971 as part of the duo Ike & Tina Turner.
Tina Turner’s version of “Proud Mary” is known for its high-energy performance and dynamic vocals. The song underwent a transformation in her hands, featuring a more soulful and R&B-infused arrangement compared to the original CCR version.
The lyrics of “Proud Mary” tell the story of a person who reflects on their life’s journey, using the metaphor of a riverboat called “Proud Mary.” The song’s chorus, with the iconic line “Rollin’ on the river,” became a memorable and catchy hook.
Tina Turner’s rendition of “Proud Mary” became a massive hit and is considered one of her signature songs. It earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 1972. The energetic and soulful performance of “Proud Mary” is often cited as one of the highlights of Tina Turner’s career.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
