Tina Turner, often referred to as the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” has left an indelible mark on the music industry with her powerful vocals, electrifying stage presence, and a career spanning six decades. The Rock superstar died on Wednesday (May 24, 2023) at age 83, but her legacy lives over through a catalogue of timeless hits.
The “Simple The Best” singer born November 26, 1939 became one of the most iconic artists in the world after entering the music industry as part of Ike Turner’s King Of Rhythms in 1957. She sold her catalogue and all of her musical rights to BMG in 2021.
The company described the deal as “the single largest artist acquisition the company has ever executed.” Per RollingStone Magazine.
With over 100 million records sold worldwide, in this article, we explore Turner’s 10 biggest songs, that showcased her remarkable talent and the impact she has had on the industry. From her early classics to her chart-topping anthems, each song on this list represents a milestone in Turner’s illustrious career.
- “What’s Love Got to Do with It” (1984) – Her Record Of The Year Grammy-winning single this global smash was released by Capitol Records and has become one of Tina Turner’s signature songs, “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” marked her triumphant comeback in the mid-1980s. Released as a single from her album “Private Dancer,” this track is her most successful single, topping the charts and solidifying Turner’s status as a music icon. The Graham Lyle and Terry Britten, song also won Song Of The Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the Grammys. It became the titled of her autobiographical film.
- “Private Dancer” (1984) – Capitol Records The title track from her breakthrough album, “Private Dancer,” showcased Turner’s emotional depth and versatility as an artist. The song’s raw power resonated with audiences, propelling it to become one of her most successful and enduring hits.
- “We Don’t Need Another Hero” (1985) – Capitol Records Featured in the film “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome,” “We Don’t Need Another Hero” captured the essence of Tina Turner’s captivating voice and fierce spirit. The song’s empowering message and anthemic sound struck a chord with listeners worldwide.
- “Simply the Best” (1989) – Capitol Records Regarded as an ultimate feel-good anthem, “Simply the Best” cemented its place as one of Tina Turner’s most beloved songs. Its infectious energy and empowering lyrics have made it a staple at sporting events, concerts, and celebrations across the globe.
- “Proud Mary” (1971) – United Artists Records Originally recorded by Creedence Clearwater Revival, Tina Turner’s rendition of “Proud Mary” became an iconic performance in her repertoire. Her electrifying live performances of this song showcased her dynamic stage presence and earned her well-deserved accolades.
- “River Deep – Mountain High” (1966) – Philles Records Recorded in collaboration with producer Phil Spector, “River Deep – Mountain High” highlighted Turner’s soulful vocal range and marked a turning point in her career. Despite initially underperforming in the United States, the song gained recognition and acclaim over time, solidifying its place as a classic.
- “Nutbush City Limits” (1973) – United Artists Records Returning to her roots, Tina Turner released the autobiographical track “Nutbush City Limits,” which paid homage to her hometown in Tennessee. The song’s infectious rhythm and Turner’s energetic delivery captured the essence of her musical style.
- “Better Be Good to Me” (1984) – Capitol Records A dynamic blend of rock and pop, “Better Be Good to Me” showcased Turner’s ability to infuse her performances with raw emotion and unparalleled energy. The song’s success further solidified her position as a leading force in the music industry.
- “Steamy Windows” (1989) – Capitol Records “Steamy Windows” demonstrated Turner’s ability to deliver uptempo, catchy tunes. With its infectious rhythm and playful lyrics, the song became a fan favorite, showcasing Turner’s versatility as an artist.
- “GoldenEye” (1995) – Parlophone Recorded for the James Bond film of the same name, “GoldenEye” marked Turner’s return to the charts after a brief hiatus. The track’s sultry vocals and captivating melody captivated audiences, proving that Turner’s talent was timeless.
