Tunes Du Jour Presents Tina Turner

Tina Turner’s musical odyssey is a testament to resilience, talent, and the transformative power of self-reinvention. From her early days performing with Ike Turner to her groundbreaking solo career, she emerged as one of the most electrifying performers of the 20th century. Today’s playlist reveals a remarkable journey—a narrative that spans rock, soul, and pop, showcasing her incredible versatility and enduring musical impact.

The playlist tells a story of two distinct musical eras. Her work with Ike Turner, including tracks like “Proud Mary” and “A Fool in Love,” demonstrated her raw, powerful vocal style and dynamic stage presence. But it was her solo career that truly defined her legacy. Songs like “What’s Love Got to Do with It” and “The Best” became anthems of personal empowerment, reflecting her own remarkable journey of overcoming adversity and reclaiming her artistic identity.

Turner’s musical range was extraordinary. From rock-infused hits to soulful ballads, she effortlessly crossed genre boundaries and connected with audiences across generations.

Beyond her musical achievements, Tina Turner was a cultural icon who symbolized strength and resilience. Her songs were more than just music—they were statements of personal empowerment. Her transition from a challenging early career to becoming a global superstar inspired millions, proving that talent, determination, and courage can overcome significant obstacles.

In her later years, Turner’s legacy continued to grow. Her music transcended mere entertainment, becoming a powerful narrative of personal transformation. From her early rock and soul roots to her later pop successes, she remained an unparalleled performer who redefined what it meant to be a true musical legend. The playlist below is not just a collection of songs, but a journey through one of the most remarkable careers in music history.

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Your (Almost) Daily Playlist: 11-26-23

Superstar producer Phil Spector went to see Ike Turner. He told Ike that he wanted to record a song with Tina that would become a number one smash on the pop charts and break them bigger. However, Ike could have nothing to do with the recording. Ike agreed, provided his name was still on the record label, which led to the awkwardly phrased Ike & Tina Turner featuring Tina. The track, “River Deep—Mountain High,” was recorded over five sessions. At various times during the recordings, studio guests included Mick Jagger, Brian Wilson, and Dennis Hopper. After subjecting Tina to take after take, Spector finally got what he wanted. He knew he had a smash on his hands.

In the US, the single debuted on the Hot 100 at number 98. The following week it was up to number 94. The next week, number 93. Then number 88. And that was that. Its chart run was over. In the UK the record went to number 2, but that wasn’t enough to satisfy Spector, who retreated from music production for the next couple of years.  

The late great Tina Turner was born on this date in 1939. Lots of Tina on today’s playlist.

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Your (Almost) Daily Playlist: 5-13-23

Learning that Jeff Beck was a fan of his, Stevie Wonder invited the guitarist to the studio to jam with him. Beck played on Stevie’s composition “Lookin’ For Another Pure Love,” recorded for what was to be Wonder’s next album, Talking Book. As a thank you, Wonder wrote a song for Beck to record: “Superstition.” Wonder told Beck he can release his version prior to Wonder’s version, which would appear on Talking Book.

Motown heard Stevie’s recording and knew it would be a hit single. Stevie wanted his song “Big Brother” to be the album’s first single, but he hadn’t finished recording it by the time Motown needed a 45 to release in advance of the full-length record. Stevie begged Motown to not put out a “Superstition” single, as he promised it to Beck, whose album release was delayed. Motown ignored their superstar’s pleas. The label released the single, and scored Stevie a number one single on the US pop and r&b charts.

Beck wasn’t too happy about that turn of events, though the two men eventually sorted things out, playing the song together at The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 25th-anniversary ceremony.

Stevie Wonder turns 73 today. He is well-represented on today’s playlist.

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Your (Almost) Daily Playlist: 11-26-22

Today’s playlist celebrates the November 26 birthdays of The Supremes’ Jean Terrell, Fleetwood Mac’s John McVie, Tina Turner, Garnet Mimms, DJ Khaled, Hashim, Rhythm Heritage’s Michael Omartian, The Fendermen’s Jim Sundquist, and Tom Archia; and the November 27 birthdays of Jimi Hendrix, The Streets’ Mike Skinner, Das EFX’s Skoob, 100 gecs’ Dylan Brady, Jam & Spoon’s Mark Spoon, Teri DeSario, Dozy, Eddie Rabbitt, and Ed O.G.

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