Tina Turner had a remarkable year in 1984. After splitting from Ike Turner in July 1976, she built her solo career with the help of celebrity friends such as the Rolling Stones, for whom she opened during their 1981 US tour. She also appeared as a guest on a Chuck Berry television show in 1982. Her cover of Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together”, released in November 1983, became an unexpected international hit.
Following the success of this single, Capitol Records gave the green light for a new album. Private Dancer was released in May 1984 and recorded in just two weeks. The album peaked at number 3 on the Billboard 200 and reached number 2 in the UK. The single “What’s Love Got to Do with It” became Turner’s only song to top the US Billboard Hot 100, with other hits such as “Private Dancer” and “Better Be Good to Me” following. In November 1984, she released “Tonight”, a duet with David Bowie from the Iggy Pop song.
Interestingly, “Tonight” peaked at number 53 on both the UK charts and the Billboard Hot 100. This track is included on Tina Live in Europe, a CD/DVD released in 1988 with performances from 1985 to 1987. Turner won a Grammy Best Female Rock Vocal Performance in 1989 for this album. On YouTube, Kay Hinton praises the live recording, saying, “She’s produced a lot of music, but this one with the legendary David Bowie is one of my favorites.” It’s really enchanting!
Vintage Paint, a paint brand, describes the experience of attending Turner’s concert as an unforgettable honor. David Bowie’s surprise appearance sent the crowd into a frenzy and created an electrifying atmosphere. The mention of “vintage paint” is related to the recent loss of Tina Turner on May 24, 2023, and the earlier death of David Bowie on January 10, 2016. Turner was 83 and Bowie was 69. Fans can still enjoy an unforgettable live performance of Bowie’s “Let’s Dance” with Turner and Bowie collaborating.
The song “Let’s Dance”, originally a 1962 hit by Chris Montez and written by Jim Lee, is a classic that many know. Turner’s Private Dancer tour, including a show at the NEC in Birmingham, UK, in 1985, included performances that showcased her incredible talent.
As noted on Wikipedia, in addition to her iconic legs and her turbulent history with Ike Turner, Tina Turner was celebrated for her “swagger, sensuality, powerful, raw vocals and unstoppable energy.” Both Tina Turner and David Bowie will be fondly remembered.