Under The Covers 6-9-2024

 Under The Covers  6-9-2024

Week 8

A weekly look into the world of cover songs. 

In the summer of 1993, I went to my 2nd concert ever. In the midst of her 7 country, 6 month “What’s Love Tour”, I witnessed one of the greatest performers and the “Queen of Rock and Roll”, Tina Turner. I didn’t know at the time how legendary she was and how much impact Ms. Turner has had on the music industry. Beginning her 2 time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee career with her former husband in the late 50’s, Ike and Tina became one of the best live acts of the day, releasing hits such as “Proud Mary”, “River Deep, Mountain High”, and “Nutbush City Limits”. After Tina broke from Ike in the late 70’s both professionally and personally her solo career didn’t really catch on and she became something of a novelty act until 1983 when her 5th studio album “Private Dancer” resurrected her career and shot her into superstardom. 

The Original 

On very rare occasions a cover song will be released and become a much larger hit for the cover artist. In 1989 Tina Turner released the song “The Best” an entire year after another great 80’s vocalist Bonnie Tyler released the song, making Tina’s version a cover. While Bonnie’s song never charted in the USA and barely charted in Europe, Tina’s became a worldwide hit peaking at number 15 on Billboard Hot 100. All the while becoming one of Tina’s most recognizable songs even used in multiple Pepsi commercials staring Tina herself. 

The Cover 

This week’s cover comes from a young lady, Janet Devlin, born in Northern Ireland in 1994, after I saw Tina Turner live (insert “God I’m old” joke). At the age of 16, Janet competed in UK X-Factor coming in 5th place. Since then she has released 2 studio albums with small success, but is more known for her amazing YouTube covers. With vocals that are almost completely opposite Tina’s and Bonnie’s power, Janet has what I would call a a soft sweet sound and is a refreshing version of “The Best”. 

https://youtu.be/mvqhaVgGCeY?si=Ak7jkBGp9lbGW58f

Did I upload the wrong Janet Devlin link? Nope 😂 

https://youtu.be/DLXni2bfM8w?si=Vbwae150x95Fx5Gz

Definitely not shy from doing covers Tina Turner has released many many covers over her vast career. This one is my favorite.

https://youtu.be/X9bSL2S4POg?si=ph7a9zvbU4sLoP5K

3 Facts 

1. Tina was the first black artist and first female to be on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.

2. The theme song “Goldeneye” that Tina sang from the James Bond movie of the same name was written by Bono and The Edge from U2

3. Angela Bassett earned an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Tina Turner in the biopic “What’s Love Got To Do With It”.