About the song
Tina Turner – What’s Love Got to Do with It (1984): The Song That Defined a Legend
By 1984, Tina Turner had already lived a lifetime in the music industry—rising to fame in the 1960s, enduring personal and professional struggles, and eventually fighting for her own place in the spotlight. But it was What’s Love Got to Do with It that propelled her into a new era, marking one of the greatest comebacks in music history. Released as the second single from her Private Dancer album, the song became Tina Turner’s first and only number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, making her, at 44 years old, the oldest female solo artist at the time to achieve that feat.
Written by Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, What’s Love Got to Do with It was initially rejected by several artists before finding its perfect home with Tina Turner. Her husky, soulful voice brought a depth of experience and emotion that transformed the song into something far greater than just another pop hit. The song’s smooth, mid-tempo production—featuring a light reggae-influenced groove and subtle synthesizers—gave it a contemporary feel, while Tina Turner’s powerful delivery ensured it retained its soulful edge.
Lyrically, the song explores a complicated relationship with love. The narrator questions the importance of deep emotional connection, treating love as something unnecessary in a purely physical or fleeting romance. But when Tina Turner sings those lines, they carry the weight of someone who has seen both the best and worst of love, making the song feel deeply personal and relatable. Her signature raspy vocals give every word an undeniable authenticity, turning what could have been a straightforward pop song into an anthem of independence and self-discovery.
The success of What’s Love Got to Do with It was groundbreaking. It won three Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, and helped Tina Turner secure her status as a solo superstar. The song’s impact went beyond the charts—it became the title of her 1993 biographical film, which chronicled her tumultuous life and career, further cementing its place in musical and cultural history.
Even decades later, What’s Love Got to Do with It remains one of Tina Turner’s most iconic songs. It’s a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of a voice that could turn any song into something unforgettable.