Tina Turner, born Anna Mae Bullock on November 26, 1939, is an American-born Swiss singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress. She rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s as part of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, where she gained recognition for her powerful voice, energetic stage presence, and dynamic performances.
Turner’s career reached new heights when she embarked on a successful solo career in the 1980s. Her 1984 album “Private Dancer” was a critical and commercial success, spawning hits such as “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “Better Be Good to Me,” and “Private Dancer.” Turner’s distinctive voice, combined with her electrifying performances, made her one of the most iconic and influential figures in popular music.
Throughout her career, Tina Turner has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time. She has won numerous awards, including 12 Grammy Awards, and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In addition to her music career, Turner has also pursued acting, appearing in films such as “Tommy” (1975), “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome” (1985), and “What’s Love Got to Do with It” (1993), for which she received critical acclaim and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress.
Tina Turner’s enduring legacy extends beyond her music and acting achievements. She is also admired for her resilience and strength, having overcome personal and professional challenges throughout her life. Turner’s story of triumph over adversity has inspired countless fans around the world, cementing her status as a true icon of popular culture.
1. What’s Love Got to Do with It
“What’s Love Got to Do with It” is a song performed by Tina Turner, released in 1984 as the lead single from her fifth solo album, “Private Dancer.” The song was written by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle.
“What’s Love Got to Do with It” is a catchy pop-rock song with elements of dance and R&B. It features a distinctive guitar riff and a pulsating rhythm, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere. Lyrically, the song explores the theme of romantic relationships and questions the role of love in decision-making and commitment.
Tina Turner’s powerful vocals and dynamic delivery are a central focus of the song, showcasing her ability to convey emotion and attitude. The song’s chorus, with Turner singing “What’s love got to do, got to do with it?” became an anthem of independence and empowerment for many listeners.
Upon its release, “What’s Love Got to Do with It” was a massive commercial success, topping the charts in several countries, including the United States, where it became Turner’s first and only number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song also won three Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year, solidifying its status as one of Tina Turner’s signature songs and a classic in the pop music canon.
2. Proud Mary
“Proud Mary” is a classic song originally performed by Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) and written by the band’s frontman, John Fogerty. It was released in 1969 as a single from their album “Bayou Country.”
“Proud Mary” is characterized by its distinctive guitar riff and energetic rhythm. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a narrator who reflects on their experiences traveling down the Mississippi River on a paddlewheel steamboat named “Proud Mary.” The song captures the spirit of adventure and the freedom of the open road.
The chorus of “Proud Mary,” with its iconic refrain of “Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ on the river,” has become one of the most recognizable and memorable in rock music history. The song’s combination of rock, blues, and soul elements contributed to its widespread appeal and enduring popularity.
In addition to the original version by CCR, “Proud Mary” has been covered by numerous artists across different genres. However, one of the most famous and celebrated renditions is by Tina Turner. Turner’s high-energy cover of “Proud Mary” was released in 1971 as a single from her album “Workin’ Together” and became one of her signature songs. Her electrifying performance of the song, often accompanied by energetic dance routines, further solidified its status as a classic in popular music.
3. The Best
“The Best” is a song by American rock singer-songwriter Tina Turner, released in 1989 as the lead single from her seventh studio album, “Foreign Affair.” The song was written by Mike Chapman and Holly Knight.
“The Best” is an upbeat rock anthem that celebrates empowerment and self-confidence. The lyrics express determination and resilience, with Turner proclaiming that her lover brings out the best in her and makes her feel unstoppable.
The song features a powerful vocal performance by Turner, backed by energetic instrumentation including guitars, drums, and horns. Its catchy chorus and infectious rhythm contributed to its commercial success.
“The Best” became one of Tina Turner’s signature songs and remains a favorite among fans. It reached high positions on music charts around the world and has been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials over the years. Its uplifting message and anthemic sound have made it a timeless classic in the rock music genre.
4. Private Dancer
“Private Dancer” is a song by Tina Turner, released as the title track of her fifth solo album in 1984. The song was written by British songwriter Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits fame.
“Private Dancer” is a soulful and emotive song that tells the story of a woman who works as an exotic dancer to make a living. The lyrics convey her experiences and emotions as she performs for strangers, longing for a connection and escape from her circumstances.
The song features Turner’s powerful vocals and a bluesy, atmospheric arrangement. It became one of her signature songs and marked a significant transition in her career as she reinvented herself as a solo artist.
“Private Dancer” was a commercial success, reaching high positions on music charts worldwide. It earned Turner critical acclaim and helped establish her as a major figure in the music industry. The song remains a classic and is often regarded as one of Turner’s greatest hits.
5. River Deep, Mountain High
“River Deep – Mountain High” is a classic song originally performed by Ike & Tina Turner. It was released as a single in 1966 and later included on their album of the same name.
Written by Phil Spector, Jeff Barry, and Ellie Greenwich, “River Deep – Mountain High” is a soulful and powerful song that showcases Tina Turner’s extraordinary vocal range and emotive delivery. The song features a grandiose production, characteristic of Phil Spector’s “Wall of Sound” style, with lavish instrumentation including strings, horns, and a full choir.
“River Deep – Mountain High” is lyrically rich, expressing the depth of the singer’s love and devotion. The metaphor of the “river deep” and the “mountain high” symbolizes the extremes of emotional experiences and the enduring strength of love.
Upon its release, “River Deep – Mountain High” received critical acclaim for its innovative production and Turner’s powerhouse performance. However, it was not as commercially successful in the United States as it was in Europe. Despite this, the song has since become regarded as one of Tina Turner’s signature songs and a classic in the soul and pop music genres.
Over the years, “River Deep – Mountain High” has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials, solidifying its status as a timeless classic in popular music.
6. We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)
“We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)” is a song performed by Tina Turner, released in 1985 as the theme song for the film “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome,” in which Turner also starred alongside Mel Gibson. The song was written by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle.
“We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)” is an anthemic and empowering song that reflects the themes of the film, which is set in a post-apocalyptic world. The lyrics speak about the desire for hope and freedom amidst chaos and struggle, while the “Thunderdome” refers to a gladiatorial arena in the movie where conflicts are resolved.
The song features Turner’s powerful vocals and a driving rock beat, along with a memorable chorus that emphasizes the message of resilience and defiance. It became one of Turner’s most successful singles, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and earning her critical acclaim.
“We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)” remains one of Turner’s most iconic songs and is often associated with both the film and the era of 1980s pop culture. Its themes of empowerment and resistance continue to resonate with audiences around the world.
7. Better Be Good to Me
“Better Be Good to Me” is a song performed by Tina Turner, released in 1984 as the second single from her album “Private Dancer.” The song was written by Mike Chapman, Nicky Chinn, and Holly Knight.
“Better Be Good to Me” is a rock-influenced pop song with elements of R&B and funk. It features a driving beat, catchy guitar riff, and powerful vocals from Tina Turner. Lyrically, the song addresses themes of love, trust, and the consequences of mistreatment in a relationship. The narrator warns their partner that they must treat them well, or else they will leave.
The chorus of “Better Be Good to Me,” with Turner belting out the memorable refrain “Better be good to me,” became an anthem of empowerment for many listeners. Turner’s passionate delivery and dynamic performance further elevated the song’s impact.
Upon its release, “Better Be Good to Me” was a commercial success, reaching the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It also won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Female, in 1985. The song’s popularity contributed to the success of the “Private Dancer” album, which became one of Tina Turner’s most successful and acclaimed releases.
“Better Be Good to Me” remains one of Tina Turner’s signature songs and a classic in the pop and rock genres. Its themes of self-respect and empowerment continue to resonate with audiences, making it a timeless addition to Turner’s catalog.
8. Typical Male
“Typical Male” is a 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.
“Typical Male” is an upbeat and catchy pop-rock song that explores gender stereotypes and the dynamics of relationships. The lyrics playfully depict the differences between men and women, with Turner asserting her independence and confidence in the face of traditional gender roles.
The song features Turner’s powerful vocals and a lively arrangement with catchy guitar riffs and a driving rhythm section. Its infectious melody and tongue-in-cheek lyrics made it a commercial success, reaching high positions on music charts around the world.
“Typical Male” became one of Tina Turner’s signature songs and remains a favorite among fans. Its energetic and empowering message, along with Turner’s dynamic performance, solidified its status as a classic in her repertoire.
9. I Don’t Wanna Fight
“I Don’t Wanna Fight” is a song performed by Tina Turner, released in 1993 as the lead single from her album “What’s Love Got to Do with It: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.” The song was written by Steve DuBerry, Lulu, and Billy Lawrie.
“I Don’t Wanna Fight” is a soulful ballad with elements of pop and R&B. Lyrically, the song explores the emotional turmoil of a troubled relationship and expresses a desire to avoid conflict and find peace. Turner’s powerful vocals convey the pain and frustration of trying to salvage a relationship despite the challenges.
The chorus of “I Don’t Wanna Fight,” with Turner passionately singing “I don’t wanna fight no more, I don’t know what we’re fighting for,” captures the sentiment of exhaustion and weariness in the face of ongoing conflict.
Upon its release, “I Don’t Wanna Fight” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on various charts around the world. It also earned Tina Turner a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1994.
The song’s themes of love, heartache, and resilience resonated with audiences, and it remains one of Tina Turner’s most beloved and enduring songs. Its soulful melody and heartfelt lyrics continue to touch listeners and make it a standout track in Turner’s extensive discography.
10. Nutbush City Limits
“Nutbush City Limits” is a song written and performed by Tina Turner, released in 1973. It was originally recorded by her and her then-husband Ike Turner as “Nutbush City Limits” by Ike & Tina Turner, but Tina later re-recorded it as a solo artist.
The song pays homage to Nutbush, Tennessee, Tina Turner’s birthplace. It features a funky and energetic rhythm with a distinctive guitar riff and horn section. The lyrics describe the town of Nutbush and evoke a sense of nostalgia and pride in Turner’s roots.
“Nutbush City Limits” became one of Tina Turner’s signature songs and a fan favorite. Its infectious groove and Turner’s powerhouse vocals contributed to its enduring popularity. The song has been covered by various artists and remains a classic in the R&B and rock genres.
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.
