Incisive appreciation of Tina Turner. Her appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show was another turning point in her career and deservedly so, it's an amazing, career-changing performance.
So true, and hearing iver deep...how old must i have been and where was I? I think it was early 70's, after a friend shared Deep Purple's version, and then I went searching for Tina's. But Nutbush City Limits was such a big hit and influence on me and my high school friends back in those years. So glad I was alive to hear and appreciate it. Thanks Dan!
I’m like you, Dan. I remember always knowing who Tina Turner was, but I don’t remember when I first knew her music. And I’ve been obsessed with “River Deep -- Mountain High” for the past month. Her performance of the song, that vocal, has just dug deep into my soul. But there’s more than just Phil Spector vs Ike Turner for the Worst Person in the World. You’ve also got the great Ellie Greenwich writing the song and the Wrecking Crew (with Glen Campbell on guitar and Earl Palmer on drums), creating the wall of sound. Then include the likes of Darlene Love on backing vocals and the song just resonates. I hate that that the song is part of the Phil Spector mythology but I love how Tina so gets to the soul and essence of that song and I listen to it endlessly. RIP Tina. And thanks for writing, Dan.
Cher was doing back-up on many, if not most, Spector productions, Dan, but not on this one (she was on "Be My Baby" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" to pick two).
I've got Love on backing vocals (as John mentions), along with Fanita James (aka Fanita Barrett), Jean King (all 3 together, The Blossoms, the ones who actually sang "He's a Rebel"), Clydie King, and Gracia Nitzsche, arranger Jack's wife. I'm currently working on a dive into "that song," which I hope to have finished by mid-week!
Nice piece. I was fortunate enough to see the Ike & Tina Turner Review in Tulsa in about 1973 on a bill that included It's a Beautiful Day and El Roacho. Tina was phenomenal live, as were the band. RDMH is an amazing record that still stands up, I even like Spector & Nitzsche's string arrangement on it.
As always, and though I'm a bit late in getting to it, I loved this piece, brother. That Ed Sullivan clip is mind-blowing and almost seems to exist in some alternative reality from another place & time. Damn. So good.
Incisive appreciation of Tina Turner. Her appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show was another turning point in her career and deservedly so, it's an amazing, career-changing performance.
So true, and hearing iver deep...how old must i have been and where was I? I think it was early 70's, after a friend shared Deep Purple's version, and then I went searching for Tina's. But Nutbush City Limits was such a big hit and influence on me and my high school friends back in those years. So glad I was alive to hear and appreciate it. Thanks Dan!
Now finally, you can do what you wanna do Soul Sister, and don’t let anyone--not even God--tell you not to. You’re free at last.
I’m like you, Dan. I remember always knowing who Tina Turner was, but I don’t remember when I first knew her music. And I’ve been obsessed with “River Deep -- Mountain High” for the past month. Her performance of the song, that vocal, has just dug deep into my soul. But there’s more than just Phil Spector vs Ike Turner for the Worst Person in the World. You’ve also got the great Ellie Greenwich writing the song and the Wrecking Crew (with Glen Campbell on guitar and Earl Palmer on drums), creating the wall of sound. Then include the likes of Darlene Love on backing vocals and the song just resonates. I hate that that the song is part of the Phil Spector mythology but I love how Tina so gets to the soul and essence of that song and I listen to it endlessly. RIP Tina. And thanks for writing, Dan.
And Cher on backing vocals as well, if I’m not mistaken!
Cher was doing back-up on many, if not most, Spector productions, Dan, but not on this one (she was on "Be My Baby" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" to pick two).
I've got Love on backing vocals (as John mentions), along with Fanita James (aka Fanita Barrett), Jean King (all 3 together, The Blossoms, the ones who actually sang "He's a Rebel"), Clydie King, and Gracia Nitzsche, arranger Jack's wife. I'm currently working on a dive into "that song," which I hope to have finished by mid-week!
Awesome, Brad - looking forward to reading it!
And, Jeff Barry on the co-write!
Nice piece.
P.S.-looks light Garrett Morris was hitting the gym back then!
Nice piece. I was fortunate enough to see the Ike & Tina Turner Review in Tulsa in about 1973 on a bill that included It's a Beautiful Day and El Roacho. Tina was phenomenal live, as were the band. RDMH is an amazing record that still stands up, I even like Spector & Nitzsche's string arrangement on it.
Whoa! And who — or what — was El Roacho?
Band from Tulsa/Houston. Columbia Records 1973, produced by Steve Katz.
Tulsa/Houston band, one album, 1973, CBS, produced by Steave Katz.
As always, and though I'm a bit late in getting to it, I loved this piece, brother. That Ed Sullivan clip is mind-blowing and almost seems to exist in some alternative reality from another place & time. Damn. So good.
Things and stuffs and stuffs and things!