Tina Turner's lost Private Dancer song rediscovered

Tina Turner, a legendary singer, is known for her incredible music and powerful voice. One of her most successful albums, Private Dancer, has recently made headlines again because a song that was thought to be lost has been rediscovered. The song, titled Hot For You, Baby, was played for the first time on BBC Radio 2. This track was recorded at Capitol Studios in Hollywood and was originally meant to be included in the album. However, it was ultimately left out in favor of other iconic hits like What's Love Got To Do With It and Better Be Good To Me. The master tape of Hot For You, Baby was found while her record label was preparing a special 40th anniversary edition of Private Dancer. The song is an upbeat rocker, filled with energetic guitar riffs and a distinctive 1980s cowbell sound, showcasing Tina's signature raspy and dynamic vocal style. Produced by John Grant, who played a significant role in reviving her career, the song was penned by Australian musicians George Young and Harry Vanda. Interestingly, it had been recorded previously by Scottish-Australian singer John Paul Young, known for his disco hit Love Is In The Air, but his version did not gain much attention when it was released in 1979. Tina Turner's career was at a low point when she began working on the Private Dancer album in 1983. After escaping an abusive marriage to musician Ike Turner at the end of the 1970s, she found herself struggling financially, relying on food stamps, and performing in small cabaret shows to pay off her debts. Many in the music industry had written her off, but she still had a loyal fan base in England. In 1981, she was invited by Rod Stewart to perform with him on Saturday Night Live, and the Rolling Stones included her in their US tour. Perhaps most importantly, David Bowie expressed to Capitol Records that Tina was his favorite singer. The turning point in Tina's career came when she collaborated with British producers Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh from the band Heaven 17 to create a synth-pop version of the Temptations' classic song Ball of Confusion. This track became a massive hit in Europe, leading Capitol Records to allow her to record an album. However, the label did not provide much support, as the budget only allowed for two weeks in the studio, and many of the songs she recorded were previously rejected by other artists. Despite these challenges, Tina made the most of her time in the studio, recording nearly all of the songs for Private Dancer in the UK with various production teams. During this time, the music scene was shifting, and Tina was guided away from the raw, fiery soul music that had initially made her famous. Nevertheless, her electrifying vocals blended perfectly with the programmed grooves of the new wave sound. Debby Miller, a writer, noted that Tina seemed to understand the unique touch each song required. In a review published in the New York Times, the album was described as a landmark, not only for Tina, who was 45 years old at the time, but also for the evolution of pop-soul music itself. Private Dancer went on to sell over 10 million copies and earned three Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year for What's Love Got To Do With It. Tina's live performance of this song on television captivated audiences, even as she battled a severe case of the flu. In 1984, she opened for Lionel Richie on his US tour, reminding everyone of her ability to electrify any venue she performed in. By 1985, Tina Turner had become one of the biggest stars in the world, alongside other superstars like Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Prince. In her later years, Tina faced several health challenges, including kidney disease. The decision to exclude Hot For You, Baby from the original tracklist of Private Dancer makes sense, as it sounds somewhat cheesy compared to the sultry and sophisticated songs that ultimately made the album. However, fans are excited to finally hear this track and experience Tina's vibrant energy once again, as she promises to 'love you all night long. ' Mark Goodier, who is currently hosting the Radio 2 breakfast show, expressed his excitement about having something new from Tina Turner, calling it a treat for fans of all ages. He shared his personal experience of interviewing Tina and witnessing her live performances, describing her as an extraordinary performer and a remarkably graceful lady, whose every note was shaped by her incredible life experiences. The song will not only be released as a single but will also be included in a new five-disc deluxe edition of Private Dancer, set to be released in March. This collection will feature B-sides, remixes, live tracks, and a film of Tina performing at Birmingham's NEC Arena in March 1985, with special guest appearances by David Bowie and Bryan Adams. Sadly, Tina Turner passed away in 2023 at the age of 83. While no specific cause of death was disclosed, she had been known to struggle with kidney disease, intestinal cancer, and other health issues.