The Song That Almost Never Was

Picture this: You’re a songwriter, and you’ve just penned what you believe to be an absolute banger of a tune. You pitch it to a renowned artist – say, Cliff Richard – with dreams of it soaring to the top of the charts. But he rejects it, and your dreams are deflated like a day-old party balloon. This is the story of “What’s Love Got to Do With It”, the song that almost ended up in the discard pile but instead became a beloved anthem of resilience.

The brilliant minds behind this classic, Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, initially offered it to British pop star Cliff Richard. However, Cliff was like, “Nah, not my jam,” and passed on it. At this point, you’d think the song was doomed, right? Wrong!

The Comeback Kid

Enter Roger Davies, a music producer with a sixth sense for hit songs, and Tina Turner, a music legend looking to make a comeback. Davies heard “What’s Love Got to Do With It” and immediately envisioned it as the perfect track for Turner’s new album.

Now, Turner wasn’t initially sold on the song. It’s like being offered a slice of pizza with a topping you’ve never tried before. You’re skeptical, but your friend insists it’s delicious. So you take a bite, and boom – it’s the best pizza you’ve ever had. That’s how it went down with Turner and the song.

Breakout Hit: “What’s Love Got to Do With It”

On May 22, 1984, the world got a taste of this delicious musical pizza when “What’s Love Got to Do With It” was released as the lead single from Turner’s fifth solo album, “Private Dancer.” And, like a viral meme, it caught on fast. The song’s catchy pop-rock sound combined with Turner’s powerful vocals was the secret sauce that got people hooked.

Climbing the Ladder of Success

The song wasn’t just a hit; it was a meteoric success. It dominated the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States for three straight weeks – a rare feat akin to a winning streak in Vegas. And if that wasn’t enough, it also reached number three on the UK Singles Chart. This was the comeback Turner needed, and it got her name back up in lights and introduced her to a whole new generation of fans.

“What’s Love Got to Do With It” Wins Big at the Grammys

The cherry on top of this deliciously successful sundae was the recognition at the Grammy Awards. “What’s Love Got to Do With It” won not one, not two, but three Grammy Awards in 1985. Record of the Year, Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, and Best Female Rock Vocal Performance – a Grammy hat-trick! It was like Turner was playing an arcade game and hit the jackpot.

A Cultural Phenomenon

Beyond its commercial success, “What’s Love Got to Do With It” transcended into a cultural phenomenon. Its lyrics, exploring the intricacies of love and relationships, resonated with listeners on a personal level. And let’s not forget: Turner was a Black woman making waves in a predominantly white rock music industry. This song was more than a hit; it was a statement.

The Legacy of “What’s Love Got to Do With It”

“What’s Love Got to Do With It” was more than just a chart-topping hit; it was a pivotal point in Tina Turner’s career. It propelled her to new heights of success and cemented her status as a legendary artist. Its enduring popularity and cultural impact make it a timeless classic in the realm of popular music. And to think, it all started with a song that was almost tossed aside.

The post The Love Saga of “What’s Love Got to Do With It”: A Behind-The-Scenes Look first appeared on Facts for Bored.