Tina Turner, born Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939, in Nutbush, Tennessee, is an iconic figure in the music world, known for her powerful voice, electrifying performances, and resilience. She rose to fame in the 1960s alongside her then-husband Ike Turner with hits like “Proud Mary” and “River Deep – Mountain High.” However, it was her comeback in the 1980s as a solo artist that solidified her status as a rock and roll legend.
Turner’s 1984 album “Private Dancer” marked a turning point in her career, featuring hits such as “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” which won her three Grammy Awards and catapulted her to international superstardom. Her distinct blend of rock, soul, and R&B, alongside her dynamic stage presence, earned her the title “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll.”
Tina Turner’s personal life, particularly her tumultuous marriage to Ike Turner and her courageous departure from their abusive relationship, has been well-documented and admired for its story of triumph over adversity. Her autobiography, “I, Tina,” and its film adaptation, “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” further endeared her to millions for her strength and determination.
Over her career, Turner has received numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and the Kennedy Center Honors. She is one of the world’s best-selling artists, having sold more than 100 million records globally. Tina Turner’s legacy extends beyond her music; her life story is an inspiring tale of resilience, empowerment, and enduring talent.
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 comeback for Turner, establishing her as a solo superstar after her turbulent years with former husband and musical partner, Ike Turner. It became one of her biggest hits, reaching number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning her three Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, and Best Rock Vocal Performance, Female.
Written by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, “What’s Love Got to Do with It” features a smooth blend of pop and R&B, distinguished by Turner’s powerful, raspy vocals and emotive delivery. The lyrics question the importance of love within a romantic relationship, portraying a skeptical viewpoint on love’s role in happiness and fulfillment.
The song’s success was instrumental in reviving Turner’s career, showcasing her as an icon of resilience and reinvention. The music video, featuring Turner walking the streets of New York City, further cemented her image as a strong, independent artist. “What’s Love Got to Do with It” has since become an anthem of empowerment and one of Turner’s signature songs, highlighting her ability to convey deep emotion and connect with audiences worldwide.
2. Proud Mary
“Proud Mary” is a classic rock and roll song best known for its dynamic rendition by Tina Turner. Originally written and released by Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) in 1969, the song quickly became a hit, celebrated for its catchy melody and compelling narrative of a riverboat worker’s journey. However, it was Tina Turner’s cover in 1971 with her then-husband Ike Turner that brought a new level of energy and soul to the song, making it an enduring classic.
Tina Turner’s version of “Proud Mary” is characterized by its electrifying performance, showcasing her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence. The arrangement starts slow and smooth, with Tina introducing the song in a soft, soulful manner, before transitioning into a high-energy rock and roll explosion. This contrast became a signature element of her live performances, often accompanied by elaborate dance routines and backed by the tight musicality of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue.
“Proud Mary” became one of Tina Turner’s signature songs, earning her widespread acclaim and solidifying her status as a music icon. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to Turner’s ability to imbue songs with a unique blend of soul, rock, and energy, making her renditions timeless.
3. The Best
“The Best” is a powerful rock song made famous by Tina Turner, released as a single in 1989 from her album “Foreign Affair.” The song was originally written by Mike Chapman and Holly Knight and was first recorded by Bonnie Tyler in 1988. However, it was Tina Turner’s rendition that propelled the song to global success, becoming one of her most iconic and enduring hits.
Tina Turner’s version of “The Best” showcases her dynamic and soulful vocal delivery, set against a backdrop of driving rock instrumentation. The song’s lyrics speak to unwavering devotion and admiration, declaring the subject of the song as being “simply the best” over all others. Turner’s passionate performance and the song’s uplifting melody have made it an anthem for love and empowerment.
“The Best” achieved significant chart success worldwide, further cementing Turner’s status as a rock and soul music icon. The song has been used in various advertisements, movies, and sporting events, and has been covered by numerous artists across different genres.
Beyond its commercial success, “The Best” stands as a testament to Tina Turner’s resilience and extraordinary talent. Her ability to imbue the song with such powerful emotion and energy has ensured its place as a classic in the rock and soul music canon, beloved by fans around the globe.
4. Private Dancer
“Private Dancer” is a song by Tina Turner, featured on her fifth solo album of the same name, released in 1984. The song was written by Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits and originally intended for Dire Straits’ album “Love Over Gold.” However, Knopfler felt the song would be more suitable for a female vocalist, and it ultimately became one of Turner’s signature tracks, marking a pivotal moment in her career.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a disillusioned woman working as a dancer-for-hire, reflecting on her isolation and the emotional detachment required by her profession. Turner’s powerful and emotive vocal performance, combined with the song’s smooth, jazzy arrangement, highlights the melancholy and complexity of the character’s experiences.
“Private Dancer” played a significant role in Turner’s comeback in the 1980s, showcasing her versatility as an artist and her ability to convey deep emotional narratives through her music. The album “Private Dancer” was a massive commercial success, solidifying Turner’s status as a global superstar and one of the greatest comeback stories in music history.
The song remains a standout in Tina Turner’s discography, praised for its lyrical depth, sophisticated musicality, and Turner’s dynamic vocal delivery. “Private Dancer” is not just a reflection of Turner’s talent but also a poignant commentary on the objectification and commodification of women, themes that have continued to resonate with audiences over the years.
5. River Deep, Mountain High
“River Deep – Mountain High” is a monumental song in the history of popular music, famously performed by Tina Turner and produced by Phil Spector. Released in 1966, the song is a showcase of Spector’s “Wall of Sound” production technique, characterized by a lush and layered sound that was revolutionary at the time. Ike & Tina Turner were chosen by Spector to bring this ambitious project to life, with Tina’s powerful and emotive vocals at the forefront.
The song’s lyrics speak to the enduring and evolving nature of love, using the metaphor of a river’s depth and a mountain’s height to express love’s vastness and strength. Despite its grand production and Turner’s dynamic performance, “River Deep – Mountain High” initially struggled to achieve commercial success in the United States, though it was highly acclaimed and popular in the UK and other parts of Europe.
Over time, “River Deep – Mountain High” has been recognized as a masterpiece of pop music, with Tina Turner’s performance, in particular, being hailed as one of her best. The song has been covered by numerous artists and remains a significant work for its ambitious production, emotive vocal delivery, and its role in elevating Tina Turner to international stardom. It stands as a testament to Turner’s extraordinary talent and the innovative vision of Phil Spector.
6. We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)
“We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)” is a powerful ballad performed by Tina Turner, serving as the theme song for the 1985 film “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome,” in which Turner also starred as the antagonist Aunty Entity. The song was written by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, and its release helped solidify Turner’s status as a major pop and rock icon of the 1980s.
The song’s lyrics speak to a post-apocalyptic desire for peace and a return to simplicity, eschewing the need for heroes and complex solutions in a world fraught with problems. Turner’s dynamic and emotive vocal performance, coupled with the song’s grandiose production, captures the essence of the movie’s themes while also standing alone as a powerful statement on human resilience and the desire for a better world.
“We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)” was a commercial success, receiving critical acclaim and achieving high chart positions worldwide. It further demonstrated Turner’s ability to transcend the boundaries of rock and pop music, showcasing her talents in a cinematic context. The song has remained one of Turner’s most beloved hits, often featured in her live performances and celebrated for its message of hope and endurance in the face of adversity.
The track’s iconic status is augmented by its memorable music video, which features imagery from “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome,” emphasizing the song’s thematic ties to the film while highlighting Turner’s commanding presence as both a singer and actress. “We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)” is not only a highlight of Tina Turner’s illustrious career but also a timeless anthem that continues to inspire and move audiences.
7. Better Be Good to Me
“Better Be Good to Me” is a hit song by Tina Turner, featured on her critically acclaimed 1984 album “Private Dancer.” The song showcases Turner’s powerful and emotive vocal delivery, set against a backdrop of rock-infused instrumentation that perfectly complements her dynamic range. Written by Mike Chapman, Nicky Chinn, and Holly Knight, “Better Be Good to Me” is a fervent demand for respect and faithful treatment in a relationship, reflecting themes of empowerment and self-respect that resonated with Turner’s own life and career resurgence.
The track became one of the standout singles from “Private Dancer,” helping to cement Turner’s comeback in the music industry and her status as a solo superstar. Its blend of rock and pop elements, along with Turner’s impassioned performance, received widespread acclaim, earning her a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.
“Better Be Good to Me” is emblematic of Turner’s ability to convey strength and vulnerability through her music, making it a fan favorite and a staple of her live performances. The song’s success during the 1980s contributed to the decade’s defining sound, showcasing Turner’s versatility as an artist and her enduring influence in the music world.
8. Typical Male
“Typical Male” is a hit song by Tina Turner, released in 1986 as the lead single from her album “Break Every Rule.” The song was written by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, the team behind some of Turner’s biggest hits, including “What’s Love Got to Do with It.” “Typical Male” showcases Turner’s powerful and distinctive voice over a catchy, upbeat arrangement that blends rock and R&B elements, making it a standout track in her discography.
The lyrics of “Typical Male” playfully address the dynamics of romantic relationships, with Turner expressing frustration and affection towards a lover’s typical male behaviors. The song’s infectious chorus and Turner’s dynamic vocal performance made it a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in the United States and securing high positions internationally.
“Typical Male” further cemented Tina Turner’s status as a leading figure in the music industry during the 1980s, demonstrating her ability to deliver hit songs with strong vocal performances and relatable lyrics. The music video for the song, featuring Turner’s charismatic presence and performance, added to its popularity and helped maintain her visibility and relevance in the pop and rock music scenes.
Overall, “Typical Male” is remembered as one of Tina Turner’s most energetic and engaging singles, showcasing her talent for creating music that resonates with a wide audience while highlighting her unique style and vocal prowess.
9. I Don’t Wanna Fight
“I Don’t Wanna Fight” is a poignant ballad by Tina Turner, featured on the soundtrack for the 1993 film “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” a biographical film about Turner’s life and career. The song was also included on her album “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” which served as a companion piece to the movie. Written by Steve DuBerry, Lulu, and Billy Lawrie, “I Don’t Wanna Fight” is a deeply emotional song that explores themes of conflict, love, and the desire for peace in a turbulent relationship.
Turner’s powerful and emotive vocal performance captures the song’s essence, conveying a sense of weariness and longing for resolution. The song’s slow, soulful arrangement allows Turner’s voice to shine, showcasing her ability to express vulnerability and strength simultaneously.
“I Don’t Wanna Fight” became a significant hit for Turner, reaching the top of the charts in various countries and further solidifying her status as a music icon. Its success underscored Turner’s talent for interpreting songs with deep emotional resonance, making it one of the standout tracks of her later career. The song remains a testament to Turner’s enduring impact on music and her ability to connect with audiences through her artistry and storytelling.
10. Nutbush City Limits
“Nutbush City Limits” is a funk-infused rock song performed by Ike & Tina Turner. Released in 1973, it was penned by Tina Turner herself and has since become one of her signature songs, even well into her solo career. The song is a semi-autobiographical account, referencing the small, rural community of Nutbush, Tennessee, where Tina Turner was raised. Its lyrics describe the town’s simple way of life, including mentions of a church house, gin house, school house, and outhouse, offering a vivid portrayal of her hometown’s environment and culture.
Musically, “Nutbush City Limits” stands out for its energetic guitar riffs, driving rhythm, and Tina Turner’s powerful, gritty vocals, which convey both a sense of nostalgia and a fierce independence. The song’s distinctive sound, blending elements of rock, soul, and funk, showcases the dynamic and explosive energy characteristic of Ike & Tina Turner’s performances.
Over the years, “Nutbush City Limits” has been covered by various artists and remains a popular and influential track, highlighting Tina Turner’s songwriting talent and her ability to captivate audiences with her storytelling and vocal prowess. The song also serves as a testament to Turner’s roots and her journey from a small town to international stardom, symbolizing her resilience and enduring influence in the music industry.
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.
