Tina Turner and David Bowie light up the stage with their duet of Iggy Pop’s tender ballad Tonight
1984 marked an exceptional period for Tina Turner. Previously recognized as the vocalist alongside Ike Turner, she initiated divorce proceedings from Ike in July 1976. Subsequently, she carefully established her independent musical identity, assisted by longtime associates including the Rolling Stones, for whom she performed opening acts during their 1981 American tour.
She appeared as a distinguished guest on Chuck Berry's TV special in 1982. Her version of Al Green's "Let's Stay Together," released in November 1983, became an unexpected worldwide success. This triumph prompted Capitol Records to authorize a fresh Tina Turner album. Completed in a fortnight, "Private Dancer" hit stores in May 1984. The album reached #2 in Britain and #3 on the Billboard 200. Her single "What's Love Got To Do With It" became Turner's sole #1 hit on the US Billboard 100. This was succeeded by popular singles "Better Be Good to Me" and "Private Dancer."
In November 1984, she issued "Tonight," an Iggy Pop composition performed as a duet with David Bowie. The track "Tonight" ranked #53 on both UK charts and Billboard Hot 100, a curious coincidence. The version shown comes from "Tina Live in Europe," a CD/DVD set released in 1988, featuring live shows recorded between 1985 and 1987. The CD earned Turner a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance in 1989.
Kay Hinton notes on YouTube: "She created many excellent songs, but this ranks among my absolute favorites alongside the legendary David Bowie. Truly magical!"
Vintage Paint comments: "I attended this concert. David Bowie emerging from darkness was totally unexpected. The crowd erupted and the mood was charged with excitement. Two icons together, two bright stars now gone." This refers to Tina Turner's death on May 24, 2023, and David Bowie's earlier departure on January 10, 2016. Turner lived to 83, while Bowie reached 69.
Here's an entertaining live combination of Jim Lee and Bowie's tracks titled "Let's Dance."
Jim Lee's "Let's Dance" became popular in 1962 through Chris Montez. David Bowie's song is widely recognized. Both videos featured here were captured during the same evening in 1985 at Birmingham's NEC during Turner's Private Dancer tour.
As Wikipedia states: "She was known for her confidence, sensuality, strong raspy vocals and limitless energy, along with her well-known history with former husband Ike Turner and her famous legs."
