Queen of Rock 'n' Roll: The ultimate Tina Turner playlist
A powerful voice, jaw-dropping showmanship and impeccable style are just a few attributes to describe the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll: Tina Turner. The singer first started her career in the late '50s when she was one half of the duo Ike & Tina Turner. In the late '70s, she embarked on a solo career and proved to be an iconic force in the industry. She continued to make hit songs, win countless awards and is still one of the best-selling artists of all time. As Tina celebrates her 80th birthday and more than six decades in the music business, check out our playlist with some of Tina's most iconic tracks.
"What's Love Got To Do With It" (1984)
If there’s one song that Tina Turner is best known for, it's “What’s Love Got To Do With It," her most successful single to date. It’s Turner’s only No. 1 hit that earned Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. The song title was also used as the name for her autobiographical film in 1993.
"A Fool In Love" (1960)
“A Fool In Love” was when the world was first introduced to Ike & Tina Turner. The platinum-selling track is widely known as one of the first R&B records to cross over to the pop charts and established the duo as a major act.
"Proud Mary" (1971)
“Proud Mary” was first recorded in the late ‘60s by Creedence Clearwater Revival. However, Ike & Tina Turner decided to release their own version in 1971, and it became one of their signature songs. They ended up changing the song’s original arrangement by starting the song “nice and easy,” before speeding it up into a funky rock track.
"The Best" (1991)
If there was a need for a pick-me-up type of song, Tina’s hit “The Best” is perfect for an ambitious life soundtrack. Originally a track by Bonnie Tyler in the ‘80s, Tina released her version a few years later and it became a top 25 hit.
"Nutbush City Limits" (1973)
One of the last few hit singles by the former husband and wife duo of Ike & Tina Turner is the 1973 track “Nutbush City Limits.” The song tells of Tina’s time growing up in her hometown of Nutbush, Tennessee.
"GoldenEye" (1995)
The queen of rock was called to sing the theme song of the 1995 James Bond film, "GoldenEye." Written by U2 group members Bono and the Edge, the song’s production gives an eerie, dramatic and sensual tone, and it became a top 25 hit on the Billboard charts.
"I Don't Wanna Fight" (1993)
Stemming a bit away from her rock side, “I Don’t Wanna Fight” showcases Tina’s soft pop-rock appeal. The song was featured in her autobiographical film “What’s Love Got To Do With It” and became a top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
"Private Dancer" (1984)
In 1984, Turner released “Private Dancer,” from her fifth solo album of the same name. The song discusses different types of dances, as Turner is shown as a ballroom dancer in the song’s video.
"River Deep Mountain High" (1966)
Ike & Tina Turner worked with critically acclaimed producer Phil Spector on their 1966 single “River Deep Mountain High.” It’s one of their most stand out songs, as the production incorporates a 22-person orchestra as the backing.
"It's Gonna Work Out Fine" (1993)
During the early days of Ike & Tina, “It’s Gonna Work Out Fine” featured the two singers talking about love and relationships. The music on this track is in Tina’s wheelhouse of growing up in church, and the song is filled with gospel tones and a choir in the background.
"Let's Stay Together" (1991)
How can an artist cover a classic song that was already made successful by Al Green? Well, Tina Turner had no problem releasing her own version of Green’s hit “Let’s Stay Together.” Hearing a woman's voice as the lead also gives the song a different appeal.
"Baby, Get It On" (1975)
When it came to Ike & Tina’s discography, fans didn’t always get a chance to hear Ike’s voice. But on “Baby, Get It On,” Ike and Tina both share lead vocals. The single became a top 40 hit on the Billboard R&B charts.
"One of the Living" (1985)
On “One of the Living,” Tina Turner worked with Device and Tim Capello. The song was featured on the soundtrack to the film "Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome" and went on to win a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.
"When The Heartache Is Over" (1999)
In the late '90s, Turner decided to retire from recording and released her final studio album, “Twenty Four Seven." The album’s lead single, “When The Heartache Is Over,” peaked at No. 3 on the U.S. Dance Club Songs chart.
"I Want To Take You Higher" (1970)
Ike & Tina were advocates for doing covers of songs but still making them their own. They did just that when they took on the Sly and the Family Stone song “I Want To Take You Higher.” Tina’s strong alto tone took the song to a different place than what Sly fans were used to hearing, and the song became a top 40 hit.
"Better Be Good To Me" (1991)
Tina Turner was no stranger to using her music to talk about the ups and downs of being in love. “Better Be Good To Me” is an ‘80s anthem about telling her lover what she wants out of the relationship and how he should do right by her.
"What You Get Is What You See" (1987)
One of the great things about Tina Turner is how her voice can span across different genres. Although she’s known for rock and soul, she switched up her style on “What You Get Is What You See” as more of country tune, and the song became a top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
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