An Introduction To Tina Turner In 10 Songs

Tennessee native Tina Turner’s legendary musical career has spanned over 50 years. She emerged onto the scene in the 1950s as a featured singer with future husband Ike Turner, and the two subsequently formed famed duo, Ike & Tina Turner. Upon divorcing, Tina became one of America’s most beloved solo acts, garnering multiple Grammy Awards and quickly becoming a household name. We profile one of the best-selling musical artists of all time with an introduction to Tina Turner in ten songs.

What’s Love Got To Do With It

One of Tina Turner’s most famous songs, ‘What’s Love Got to Do With It’ topped the charts for three weeks straight. Straight off of her album Private Dancer, watch Ms. Turner strut down the streets of New York City in 1984 in the video below.

The Bayou Song

Hailing from her 1974 album titled Turn the Country On!which landed Tina Turner a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Vocal Performance, ‘The Bayou Song’ is one of the singer’s slower tunes but showcases her fierce personality. The lyrics recall a rainy morning in Louisiana, through which she recounts tireless days of hard work.

Acid Queen

Aligning more with the rock ‘n’ roll side of her persona, Acid Queen was Turner’s second solo album and the name of a larger-than-life song released in 1975. Some of the songs on this album, which consists of nine tracks, were previously performed by Rolling Stones icons Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, as well as her former husband, Ike Turner.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkuMpSVz1Sk

Viva la Money

From her third album titled Rough – the first solo album released after her separation from Ike Turner – ‘Viva la Money’ is one of Turner’s groovier songs from the 70s, showcasing the dynamic nature of her music and her voice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAI3hx-p2v0

On the Radio

‘On the Radio’ was written by Victor Carstarphen for Turner’s solo album, Love Explosion. With a soulful vibe, combined with the rhythm of the late 1970s, ‘On the Radio’ may cause impromptu dancing.

Private Dancer

One of Tina Turner’s most recognizable tracks, ‘Private Dancer’ was released in May 1984. Recorded in several sessions across the UK and supervised by four different production teams, this song comes off of Turner’s album of the same name. Private Dancer showcases a dynamic mix of ballads and smooth jazz hits and garnered platinum status.

Typical Male

Part of Tina Turner’s sixth studio album called Break Every Rule, ‘Typical Male’ was number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for three weeks. The song was written by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle in 1986; have a look at Ms. Turner’s electric performance below.

Look Me In the Heart

From her album Foreign Affair released in 1989, ‘Look Me In the Heart’ showcases essences of jazz as one of Turner’s more emotional ballads. The video is colorful but reflects the sensitive, emotional side of Turner’s music.

Missing You

Hailing from her 1996 album titled Wildest Dreams, which gained double platinum status in Europe, ‘Missing You’ is one of the singer’s most emotional songs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNxFfEmJh_M

Twenty Four Seven

This is the name of Tina Turner’s tenth and last album, which was released in 1999, and sold more than one million copies across North America. The first track on the album is a song with the same name. ‘Twenty Four Seven’ has that typical energetic Tina Turner sound.

About the author

Elena Calvo

Elena Calvo is an aspiring journalist and a lover of New York City and Paris. She is currently working on her new clothing line "Elena Calvo Design" while attending Plattsburgh State University. Her hobbies include photography, hiking, clothing design, and writing.