A long-lost Tina Turner track recorded for her iconic Private Dancer album has been rediscovered and unveiled to the public.
The song, Hot For You, Baby, was originally cut at Capitol Studios in Hollywood and intended as part of the groundbreaking 1984 album. However, it was ultimately left out in favor of now-classic hits such as What’s Love Got To Do With It, Better Be Good To Me, and the album’s sultry title track.
Long thought to be missing, the master tape was recently unearthed during preparations for a 40th-anniversary deluxe reissue of the album, much to the delight of fans and music historians alike.
Hot For You, Baby, a fast-paced rocker featuring vibrant guitar riffs and a distinctly 1980s cowbell rhythm, exemplifies Turner’s signature raspy, electrifying vocal style. Produced by John Grant, the industry veteran behind Turner’s mid-career revival, the song was penned by Australian musicians George Young and Harry Vanda.
It had previously been recorded by Scottish-Australian singer John Paul Young, best known for his disco hit Love Is In The Air, though his version went largely unnoticed upon its release in 1979.
The rediscovered Turner rendition made its radio debut on BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show, where it was played on Thursday morning, sparking widespread excitement among listeners.
The rediscovery of the track sheds light on Turner’s remarkable journey leading up to the release of Private Dancer. By the early 1980s, Turner had escaped an abusive marriage to Ike Turner, but the aftermath left her financially devastated and dependent on performing in low-budget cabaret shows to make ends meet.
While the American music industry largely dismissed her, Turner retained a loyal following in the UK, where artists like Rod Stewart and The Rolling Stones championed her talent.
David Bowie famously declared her his favorite singer, which helped convince Capitol Records to take a chance on her comeback. Turner’s collaboration with British producers Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh of Heaven 17 on a synth-pop cover of Ball of Confusion became a hit in Europe, paving the way for the recording of Private Dancer.
The making of Private Dancer was a testament to Turner’s resilience and work ethic. Despite a limited budget that only allowed for two weeks in the studio, she recorded most of the album in the UK with five different production teams.
Many of the songs were originally rejected by other artists, including What’s Love Got To Do With It, which both Cliff Richard and Bucks Fizz had turned down. Yet, Turner transformed these tracks into masterpieces, blending her fiery vocals with the sleek, programmed grooves of the new wave and synth-pop era.
Critics were quick to acknowledge the album’s brilliance, with Rolling Stone’s Debby Miller praising Turner’s ability to intuitively grasp the essence of each song, and the New York Times hailing the album as a landmark in both her career and the evolution of pop-soul music.
The release of Private Dancer in May 1984 catapulted Turner to unprecedented heights, selling over 10 million copies and earning her three Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year for What’s Love Got To Do With It.
Despite battling the flu, Turner delivered a stunning live TV performance of the song that further cemented her status as a musical powerhouse. A tour with Lionel Richie that same year reminded audiences of her unparalleled stage presence, setting the stage for her rise as one of the biggest global superstars of the 1980s.
By 1985, Turner stood shoulder-to-shoulder with icons like Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Prince, dominating stadiums and redefining live music.
The decision to exclude Hot For You, Baby from the original album was understandable, given its slightly lighter tone compared to the sultry sophistication of the final tracklist.
However, the song’s rediscovery offers fans a chance to hear Turner in her prime, delivering a spirited performance that captures her unrelenting passion and energy.
Mark Goodier, hosting Radio 2’s Breakfast Show, expressed his excitement: “To have something new from Tina Turner is a treat for fans of all generations and a reminder of her unique talent. I was lucky enough to interview Tina and see her perform live. She was not only an outrageously good performer but also a graceful and remarkable lady whose music was shaped by her extraordinary life.”
The song will be released as a single and will feature in the five-disc deluxe edition of Private Dancer, slated for release in March. The anniversary collection promises to be a treasure trove for fans, including B-sides, remixes, and live tracks, along with a recording of Turner’s legendary performance at Birmingham’s NEC Arena in 1985.
That show famously included guest appearances by David Bowie and Bryan Adams, showcasing Turner’s ability to captivate audiences and collaborate with other greats of her era.
Turner’s enduring legacy continues to inspire, even after her passing in 2023 at the age of 83. Known to have battled kidney disease, intestinal cancer, and other health challenges, Turner remained an indomitable force in music until the end.
Her story, marked by triumph over adversity, unparalleled artistry, and a spirit that touched millions, is a testament to her status as the Queen of Rock and Roll. With the release of Hot For You, Baby, fans have one more reason to celebrate the life and music of a true legend.
