RIP Tina Turner

  In 1983 Tina Turner pulled off one of music's greatest comebacks.  It began with her cover of "Let's Stay Together" which was released in late '83 and peaked at #26 in the U.S. in early '84.  She would soon follow with the Private Dancer album and reach #1 with "What's Love Got To Do With It".  From there her comeback continued to reach new heights. 

  Free of Ike Turner's iron grip she proved a remarkable solo performer.  Her persona and videos were perfect for the new MTV movement.  She was 44 when she began her comeback but seemed much younger. Her youthful energy clicked with the younger demographic who were MTV's core audience.

  Of course Tina Turner was always a star.  She was just too charismatic, dynamic a presence to ever be forgotten.  Her years with Ike were a nightmare, but there's no denying the records they made in the 60's and 70's were often a perfect mix of R&B and Rock.  The Tina Turner that we will always remember was a combination of the fireball stage persona of the Ike years plus the commanding concert presence of her comeback years.  On that stage she could keep up with any performer that she paired with for a duet. A two time inductee into the Rock Hall: with Ike in 1991 and solo in 2021. Tina always said she had a rough upbringing. Her courage to escape Ike and persevere on her own made her a role model for all women. She was indeed the Queen of Rock & Roll. One of the most beloved entertainers ever. 

  The Ike & Tina years are well preserved in numerous compilations. For studio albums I recommend River Deep-Mountain High, Come Together and Workin' Together. For Tina's solo career start with her great comeback album Private Dancer.  Then go to her various Greatest Hits albums plus Tina Turns the Country On, Acid Queen, Break Every Rule, Foreign Affair and the soundtrack to What's Love Got To Do With It.