Tina Turner's Rise to Stardom: The Story Behind 'What's Love Got To Do With It
In 1984, Tina Turner achieved her first No. 1 hit with the song "What's Love Got To Do With It" from her album Private Dancer. Despite previous moderate successes, Turner had not yet experienced a major radio hit until this song. Written by Graham Lyle and Terry Britten, the lyrics of the song initially made Turner hesitant to record it, but she eventually embraced it as her own with the guidance of her manager, Roger Davies.
Turner's personal history, including her abusive marriage to Ike Turner, influenced her music choices. She considered herself a rock and roll artist and initially viewed "What's Love Got to Do With It" as a pop song. However, Davies convinced her to record the song, leading to a transformative moment in Turner's career.
The release of "What's Love Got To Do With It" marked a turning point for Turner, propelling her to stardom and earning her a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. This success paved the way for a series of hit songs that solidified Turner's status as a rock music icon.
Despite initial reservations, Turner's decision to record "What's Love Got To Do With It" proved to be a pivotal moment in her career, setting the stage for a remarkable journey in the music industry.