The Rock ‘n’ Roll world is filled with some of the most legendary music artists of all time, and Tina Turner ranks high on that list. Known for her vibrant stage presence and powerful voice, she continues to influence music enthusiasts worldwide. In this blog post, we’re going to delve into Tina Turner’s top five hits, including the iconic anthem, ‘Simply the Best,’ and unravel the surprising facts behind them.

1. “Simply the Best”

Considered Turner’s signature song, ‘Simply the Best’ has become an anthem for celebrations and sporting events worldwide. Surprisingly though, it was not originally written for Turner. Songwriters Holly Knight and Mike Chapman initially wrote it for Bonnie Tyler, but it was Tina’s dynamic rendition that captured hearts worldwide and propelled the song to its iconic status.

2. “What’s Love Got To Do With It”

This 1984 hit single not only topped the Billboard charts but also marked a significant turning point in Turner’s career, marking her major comeback. The surprising fact here? Turner initially didn’t want to record it. She found the song’s poppy sound different from her usual rock ‘n’ roll style. However, the song went on to become her most significant hit and even inspired the title for her biographical film.

3. “Private Dancer”

‘Private Dancer’ solidified Turner’s position as a leading female artist in the ’80s. The song was actually penned by Mark Knopfler, the lead singer of Dire Straits, for their “Love over Gold” album. However, the song was deemed unsuitable for a male voice, hence Knopfler handed it over to Turner, and the rest is history.

4. “River Deep – Mountain High”

This track showcases Turner’s powerful and emotional vocal delivery, which has made it a classic. Interestingly, despite its now legendary status, the song was initially a commercial failure in the U.S., though it was a hit in Europe. This early career setback didn’t stop Turner; it just spurred her on to even greater success.

5. “Proud Mary”

A cover of the original song by Creedence Clearwater Revival, Turner’s rendition took ‘Proud Mary’ to an entirely new level. With its energetic intro and Turner’s raw vocals, the song was a hit. The surprising fact? This song won Turner her first Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Group in 1972, setting the stage for a string of successes to come.

In conclusion, Tina Turner is more than ‘Simply the Best’; she is a symbol of strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Her top five hits have not only entertained millions worldwide but have also been the backdrop to her legendary career. Each song carries a story of its own, revealing surprising facts that further enhance their unique appeal. Through her music, Turner continues to inspire, proving that there is always more than meets the eye, or in this case, the ear.