A song originally recorded for Tina Turner’s iconic album Private Dancer, believed to be lost, has been rediscovered and will debut on BBC Radio 2.
Hot For You, Baby was recorded at Capitol Studios in Hollywood and was initially considered for inclusion on the album.
However, it was excluded in favor of the chart-topping hits like What’s Love Got To Do With It, Better Be Good To Me, and the title track, Private Dancer.
The master tape, thought to be missing, was recently unearthed during preparations for the 40th-anniversary re-release of the album.
The track, an up-tempo rocker characterized by show-stopping guitar chords and a quintessential 1980s cowbell, is a prime display of Turner’s powerful, raspy vocal style.
It will premiere on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show between 08:30 and 09:00 GMT on Thursday.
Produced by John Grant, the architect of Turner’s mid-career resurgence, the song was penned by Australian musicians George Young and Harry Vanda.
It was first recorded by John Paul Young, famous for Love Is In The Air, but his 1979 version received little attention.
Released in May 1984, Private Dancer marked a transformative chapter in Turner’s career.
After escaping her abusive marriage to Ike Turner in the late 1970s, she was left destitute and performing small-scale cabaret shows to make ends meet.
Written off by the music industry, Turner found support in the UK, where her unique talent resonated with leading artists and producers.
A pivotal moment came when she collaborated with Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh of Heaven 17 on a synth-pop rendition of Ball of Confusion.
Its success in Europe convinced Capitol Records to greenlight an album, albeit on a limited budget.
Turner recorded most of Private Dancer in the UK, working with five British production teams.
The result was a seamless blend of her electrifying vocals with the sleek, programmed sound of the new wave era.
The album sold over 10 million copies and earned Turner three Grammys, including Record of the Year for What’s Love Got To Do With It.
Her live performances, even while battling illness, captivated audiences and solidified her status as a global superstar.
By 1985, Turner had ascended to the ranks of music’s elite, alongside icons like Michael Jackson and Madonna.
Although Hot For You, Baby did not make the original album’s tracklist, fans will appreciate this glimpse into Turner’s raw energy and unmatched vocal prowess.
Mark Goodier, currently hosting the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, described the release as “a treat for fans of all generations” and a testament to her extraordinary life and talent.
The song will also feature in a deluxe five-disc edition of Private Dancer, set for release in March.
This collection will include B-sides, remixes, live tracks, and a film of Turner’s 1985 performance at Birmingham’s NEC Arena, with guest appearances by David Bowie and Bryan Adams.
Tina Turner, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 83, left behind an indelible legacy.
Her resilience and artistry continue to inspire, and this rediscovered track offers fans a chance to celebrate her once more.
Also read: Nadeem Omar Net Worth
