About the song
“What’s Love Got to Do with It” is one of Tina Turner’s most iconic songs, released in 1984 as part of her album Private Dancer. Written by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, the song became a defining moment in Turner’s career, marking her triumphant comeback in the music industry after years of personal and professional struggles. Its blend of pop and R&B, combined with Turner’s distinctively powerful vocals, created a timeless hit that continues to resonate with listeners.
The song explores the complexities of love and relationships, questioning the role of emotions when physical attraction or other desires come into play. With lyrics like “What’s love but a second-hand emotion?”, it speaks to a more cynical and self-protective view of romance, one that likely resonated with Turner’s own experiences at the time.
“What’s Love Got to Do with It” was a massive commercial success. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making Turner, at 44, the oldest solo female artist to top the charts at that time. The song also earned her three Grammy Awards in 1985, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
Turner’s performance in “What’s Love Got to Do with It” is raw, emotional, and empowering. It showcased her as a strong, independent artist who had not only survived but thrived in the face of adversity. The song became synonymous with her legacy and even inspired the 1993 biographical film of the same name, further cementing its place in pop culture history.