Born on November 26, 1939, Anna Mae Bullock—the singular force of nature the world would come to know as Tina Turner—would have celebrated her 86th birthday today. Rising from humble beginnings in Tennessee to become the undisputed “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Turner captivated the globe with her raw, electrifying stage presence, powerful voice, and indomitable spirit.
While her life was marked by incredible resilience and a triumphant career resurgence, her legacy is defined by a powerhouse catalog of hits. To honor the enduring influence of this global icon, we look back at ten songs that not only defined her decades-long career but also cemented her eternal place as a true music legend.
“A Fool in Love” (1960)
Source: IMDb
This explosive debut single, credited to Ike & Tina Turner, was the world’s introduction to Anna Mae Bullock’s astounding vocal power. Tina’s raw, gospel-inflected delivery over the R&B track immediately set her apart from her contemporaries, establishing the signature sound and sheer intensity that would characterize the first phase of her career and launch the Ike & Tina Turner Revue onto the national stage.
“River Deep – Mountain High” (1966)
Source: IMDb
Produced by eccentric studio visionary Phil Spector, this track is one of the purest examples of his “Wall of Sound” technique, pairing Tina’s searing, full-throttle vocal with towering layers of instrumentation. Although it initially underperformed in the U.S., it became a major hit in the UK and later a critical landmark that helped position Tina as a commanding force bridging soul, rock, and pop.
“Proud Mary” (1971)
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Tina transformed Creedence Clearwater Revival’s hit into a monumental stage spectacle, opening with the now-iconic line, “We never ever do nothing nice and easy,” before launching into a blazing gospel-rock groove. The performance became a definitive showcase of the Revue’s explosive energy and choreography, cementing the song as a live classic and one of Tina’s most enduring signatures.
“Nutbush City Limits” (1973)
Source: IMDb
A deeply personal, semi-autobiographical track, this funk-rock anthem was written entirely by Tina herself — a rare authorial credit during her years with Ike. Its choppy rhythm, quirky details, and vivid references to Nutbush, Tennessee capture a playful, nostalgic portrait of the rural town where she grew up.
“Let’s Stay Together” (1983)
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This Al Green cover, bathed in sleek synths and polished ’80s production, became the unexpected breakthrough that ignited Tina’s solo comeback. It reintroduced her to a new generation and showcased her remarkable versatility, proving that the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll could slide effortlessly into contemporary pop and new wave — paving the way for her global takeover with Private Dancer.
“What’s Love Got to Do with It” (1984)
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The undisputed centerpiece of her solo career, this song became Tina’s first and only U.S. No. 1 single and won the Grammy for Record of the Year. Its cynical yet defiant message, combined with her mature, emotionally resonant vocal performance, resonated with millions, symbolizing her personal triumph and becoming the anthem for her incredible, hard-won resurgence.
“Private Dancer” (1984)
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Written by Dire Straits’ Mark Knopfler, this sophisticated, atmospheric track tells the story of a woman who dances for money, rendered with a quiet sadness and emotional distance. Tina’s nuanced, soulful performance gives the song its profound emotional weight, showcasing her gift for inhabiting complex narratives and helping elevate Private Dancer into one of the decade’s defining albums.
“We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)” (1985)
Source: IMDb
An epic, cinematic rock anthem that served as the theme for the movie Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, in which Tina also starred. The song’s powerful, almost orchestral arrangement and inspirational message made it a massive global hit, further cementing her status as a pop culture icon whose star power transcended music and successfully crossed into film.
“The Best” (1989)
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Originally recorded by Bonnie Tyler, Tina’s version transformed the song into a towering, stadium-ready anthem of adoration and empowerment. Its soaring chorus and big, late-’80s production helped make it one of her most recognizable hits worldwide and an enduring symbol of confidence and uplift.
“GoldenEye” (1995)
Source: IMDb
Tina joined the elite roster of James Bond theme vocalists with this brooding, sensual track, written for her by Bono and The Edge of U2. Her commanding performance over the film’s dark, elegant soundscape reaffirmed her status as a timeless powerhouse perfectly suited to one of cinema’s most iconic franchises.
