Tina Turner on Letterman, May 31, 1984

Here's Tina's first appearance on Dave in full, including the band's full rendition of "River Deep, Mountain High" during the first commercial break.
Featuring The Tuna Turner.
The concert footage preceding Tina's entrance has been deleted due to copyright caution.

[@brianmichaels5112]

Her speaking voice was just mesmerizing

[@stephenfermoyle4578]

YES

[@maxmusic5380]

*is

[@gabelogan5877]

She, Angela Bassett, and Whitney Houston had similar voices.

[@lisavillano9348]

She was a natural storyteller, even just in conversation. So descriptive (without being boringly overdescriptive) and engaging.

[@lisavillano9348]

@@gabelogan5877 I bet all three of them would take this as a compliment!

[@JC-cw1ww]

Look up the definition of CLASS and you'll find a picture of Tina Turner.

[@ronrendon]

Her laughter and her smile are infectious. I absolutely adore Ms. Anna Mae Bullock.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

Did you know one of her favourite songs is "Addicted to Love"?

[@ronbo11]

Almost 40 years ago. Now Ms. Turner has left this realm. RIP TIna - you'll always be one of the brightest stars in music!

[@marfu1119]

Is there another realm?

[@getcake.dieyoung]

@@marfu1119 who knows

[@MissCrissy87]

Simply the Best 🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️❤️❤️❤️🕯️🕯️🕯️

[@erikparker6501]

Wow!!! What a gem of an interview!!! I love this era of Tina's career around late 1983 into 1984 where all of the massively hard work and re-building of her career was about to pay off and sky-rocket her into legendary status. The "Lionel" she mentions in the interview in Lionel Ritchie, whom she was the opening act for during his tour. To think that Tina Turner was an opening act for ANYONE blows the mind. Things were about to really take off for her during this time. No one could have predicted the amazing, record-breaking things to come.

[@true90skid]

And years later Lionel was the opening act for Tina on her 24/7 tour in 99/2000

[@paulineowens3203]

I love TINA. There is NO ONE like her She is the BEST. SHE is THE QUEEN OF ROCK and ROLL

[@omorado]

@@true90skid I went to that tour! They were both so great. I knew Tina would be but he surprised me. 😊😊😊

[@Ms_Farita]

Well said

[@bmwjourdandunngoddess6024]

Her image alone was giving superstar. I can see it for her instantly!

[@cactaceous]

She was 45 years old here. Damn. She looks amazing and 10 years younger than her age. Very cool, easy going babe.

[@ThatsJustMyBabyDaddy]

The only people surprised by that fact are people who age women out after the age of 30.

[@cactaceous]

@@ThatsJustMyBabyDaddy People age women out? I thought they did it themselves. Hmmm.

[@gardensofthegods]

But she is finally starting to show her age because I saw her on something from maybe this past year or two and she is finally starting to look older even though she still looks good

[@cactaceous]

@@gardensofthegods Well, she is over 80 years old. Has cancer. Had a stroke and a kidney transplant both less than 10 years ago. If she is not showing her age now she would be an alien.

[@Sean-ce1hu]

She looked her age here.

[@Asphaltsquadron]

Crazy to think she was 45 y/o here. Such a beautiful woman. Rest In Paradise.

[@tsemiu]

She died??

[@katedalton7103]

I saw Tina in concert right after "Private Dancer" was released, and she was a force of nature on the stage--singing her heart out, and dancing like crazy! And, yes, her legs were gorgeous!

[@waynej2608]

I saw her around that time, too. Yes, she was amazing! I'm eternally grateful to have enjoyed her live show. R.I.P. Tina Turner, the Queen of rock and roll! ❤

[@benschaeffer8102]

Tina Turner is one of my FAVORITE people on the face of the earth. ❤️ I've been EXTREMELY sad since her passing.

[@direfranchement]

They say she was ready to go. Had been ill for years.

[@stephenperkins5644]

She had it tough in the beginning of her life but she learned to love her career her successes and she loved her fans as much as they loved her. The queen of rock and roll has now gone to heaven for her final rest to wear her crown and be with her maker ♥️

[@Tarotcooks]

😳🙏

[@songsalon7868]

Me Too. 😢

[@lindaclark9925]

@@stephenperkins5644 ❤️ 😢

[@jeffkoons001]

Tina had no idea what was about to happen for her in the following weeks and months after this interview. This album was about to become legend and catapult her into the stratosphere where she belonged and will always belong.

[@mirazusta2002]

Tina Turner is gorgeous, in every sense of the word. Thank you for posting!

[@soundseeker63]

She is a lioness woman! So athletic, fiesty and fun, and of course talented to boot. Private Dancer was the record that shot her to full-blown legend status (which she had always deserved imo but that proved it to the world).

[@IWeasel]

🎉🎉🎉America doesn’t love you unless you’re foolish and stupid 🎉🎉🎉 Tina was so much more beautiful larger than life personality and she overcame her abusive husband and rebuilt herself and career she’s one of a kind

[@Jezza819]

I had forgotten about her appearance on Letterman until I saw the Tina documentary on HBO this past weekend. She was a good sport here. She's just incredible. She said she wanted to perform to packed stadiums like the Rolling Stones and she certainly did that.

[@usafdirtboyz2797]

It is crazy I watched this the day it aired in 1984....I was 19 at the time in my barracks room in Hawaii when i watched this....I always remembered it by the way she cranked the tuna turner.....very funny stuff...

[@DJRitty]

Her live show is amazing...equal to someone like Prince (but in a different way).

[@kamariatoure42]

Yes she did, x 100!

[@sheilabrennan4481]

Agreed. What a really tremendous good sport as I found it to be somewhat demeaning. Maybe I just can't take a joke

[@DiverBand]

My God is she gorgeous. Naturally sexy and sensual. Ultra talented and such a passionate dynamic singer/performer. I wouldn’t be able to focus during this interview! RIP beautiful lady. The world will miss you Tina!

[@laurentozzi3644]

A force to be reckoned with. Can't believe she has passed! She is one of those people who we would all wish could live forever!! Her music will always live on! Totally unique! ONE OF A KIND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@xTheFly]

I just learned of her passing. This came on my feed after the beginning of a Tina Turner interview binge. This interview is gold. She had such a great attitude and seemed like so much fun here. RIP Tina.

[@juantime9616]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3WYpYGQo66Wb7s

[@michellesouza6403]

I loved her smile, her energy, so friendly, simple, approachable, and that remained, she didn't give up on fame... always with her foot on the ground, a beautiful girl!!! my cousin found her in Paris with her, and asked for a photo and autograph, and she thanked her, imagine?? tina turner thanking you for a photo and autograph???? how amazing, she is and always will be the best, what a human being, what a human being...🖤🖤🖤🖤👉🏾🇧🇷

[@maggietorro]

Beautiful Tina! Little did she know of the great success that was just around the corner...

[@SmoothCinnamonX]

Although truthfully, the success was already heating up due to Let's Stay Together becoming a sizable hit. Greatest comeback ever!

[@youlovemeIloveme]

I love how she's a little flirty and a little shy. My TINA! 💔 I MISS YOU ALREADY

[@KevinHallaian]

I was born in '83, so my conscious Tina Turner exposure is more late 80s / early 90s and my only awareness of her was just as a mega super star, not so much the person herself. Watching this, what a rad, chill person.

[@edmundsishange3608]

Same here, I was born in '82 and got to be aware of here around 1989 but I remember What's Love when I was about 4 but I didn't know who sang it back then.

[@sharilowrey6135]

Born in 85. I was talking to my mom the other day about how I always thought she was this huge superstar. My mom was just telling me that she used to dance with me in her arms as a baby and my brother as a 3 yr old to “What’s Love Got to do with it”

[@carolbeville733]

RIP Tina! What a sweet and talented lady she was!! I remember this very interview when it first aired. I was 14 years old. I just love how she’s so candid and down to earth. She was so classy. ❤

[@SilentKnight43]

Private Dancer was a remarkable album not only because it was simply a great release - but it came out at a time along with a massive flood of really great albums by some of the biggest artists - and it never got lost in the deluge that year. It stood out and shone and elevated Tina to the peak of her career. It was an amazing time for music and Tina Turner was integral to it all. RIP Tina - your incredible talent will truly be missed.

[@SmoothCinnamonX]

I have fond memories of the Private Dancer album as a child. My father worked for Pepsi-Cola, who was the sponsor on her tour, so not only did he get comp tickets to see the show and was completely blown away, but he took home with him a stack of about 20 Private Dancer albums on vinyl that were given out to Pepsi employees as treats! It is his favorite album of all time, and when my parents would have dinner parties, my Dad would proudly give his friends their very own copy of his favorite LP.

[@ttee3618]

Steel Claw!

[@OSoU812]

"What's the name of the album?" Private Dancer Dave. Only one of the greatest albums ever made. Forgive him for he didn't know at the time. What a beautiful soul she is. Great clip from a fantastic show back then.

[@dongiller]

The album had been released two days earlier.

[@tmalone2530]

It was brand new at the time

[@dongiller]

@@tmalone2530 Like I said...

[@bungalowmo]

I was 24 back then. I remember she had been on tv when I was a kid & my mom commenting on her dancing. Ffwd about 15 years & minus the evil baggage & she became a force to be reckoned with. What a treasure she became! 💥🎶

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

Hard to believe there was a time before that album! 1984 was one helluva year for music!

[@omarj5719]

I've always loved her hairstyle like this! Takes me back!!👍❤😎

[@anthonyhosea8780]

I Love her hair this way, too!!

[@merlinsclaw]

Along with the fact that she's a legend and a fantastic performer, I always loved what a great sport she was with Dave and the Tuna Turner. 😍

[@usafdirtboyz2797]

It is crazy I watched this the day it aired in 1984....I was 19 at the time in my barracks room in Hawaii when i watched this....I always remembered it by the way she cranked the tuna turner.....very funny stuff...

[@n.a.mcintosh4697]

Two days before this on 5/29/84 I saw Tina Turner open for Lionel Ritchie. It turns out that day was the day that Private Dancer was also released. When she opened and sang What's Love Got To Do With It...... NO ONE knew the words b/c the album just came out that day! It was an amazing experience and I will always hold her memory very close to my heart.

[@sunshine3914]

Never wanted 1984 to end.

[@sunshine3914]

Simply the best.

[@MrDuds1984]

It was the best year

[@erikparker6501]

If I could re-live 1984 over again....What an incredible memorable year.

[@usafdirtboyz2797]

It is crazy I watched this the day it aired in 1984....I was 19 at the time in my barracks room in Hawaii when i watched this....I always remembered it by the way she cranked the tuna turner.....very funny stuff...

[@zivaray]

Her major success was just around the corner with that album. What awesome days those were!!!!!!!

[@gocuk925]

She's a way bigger star around the world, than in the US.

[@dantewhitley1842]

She’s pretty big in the US. It’s just that people stopped buying her new records here. She could still pack a stadium or cause a frenzy in the streets here.

[@michaeljohnson5255]

She’s a legend in the US

[@benschaeffer8102]

I think it's WAY better to be famous world-wide and be a legend in the US. The US' conception of talent is usually putting artists in a VERY NARROW box.

[@ArtTheSinger]

Tina is a megastar. She’s definitely a big star in the US.

[@misterrain837]

That was at a time but I am in the US and we are grieving pretty hard right now.

[@keilahmichalspann8883]

This is the era I grew up in and Tina I knew. Even as a small kid it was something amazing to see her career go into orbit after the release of Private Dancer.

[@Vejur9000]

I am still crushed that’s she’s not with us. She was like a light in the world. A force of nature, and a good person.

[@toddpardoe1352]

What a great interview - Dave actually asked real questions which does not happen very often.

[@JohnC-er3rg]

Did you notice the Tuna Turner? Lol

[@bronsonbad210]

She's mesmorizing! A legendary dynamic soul. Bless you Tina. Very articulate. Long may you run Tina!

[@VincentWilliams007]

The way she walked there all proud. Love Her!

[@missher883]

She is sooo down on earth❤

[@jbt6007]

Tina is forever regal, a queen.

[@candace2308]

Great legs and I love her laugh. Loved her since the 80s when I was a little kid. The autobiography made me love her even more, such a strong beautiful soul!

[@BROWNDIRTWARRIOR]

Probably the sexiest woman that ever lived. God she was hot and it really shows in this interview. RIP Tina Turner.

[@pedenmk]

I wish I could go back to 1984. It was a good year.

[@ThatsJustMyBabyDaddy]

For white middle-class people, maybe. 😂

[@colinwilliams553]

O MY GOD....ME TOO...I SURE WISH IT WAS 1984 AGAIN!!! SWEET SWEET MEMORIES!!

[@erikparker6501]

@@ThatsJustMyBabyDaddy Ummmm...No, my family was black and working class in 1984 and believe me, it was a GREAT YEAR!!!

[@proudamerican9438]

YES IT WAS! PEOPLE OF ALL ALL RACES WERE PARTYING TOGETHER. IT WASN'T AS DIVISIVE AS IT IS NOW. THE CLOTHES WERE GREAT AND SO WAS THE MUSIC. TV WAS GREAT TOO.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

@@ThatsJustMyBabyDaddy Yeah--there's no more middle class now

[@beths4934]

Tina was truly intuitive. At Phil Spector's mansion in BH and alone she 'felt' afraid. For GOOD REASON!! Great talk these two share here

[@boogfinkelsteingrows4333]

R.I.P. Queen of Rock & Roll. 😢

[@aeshaalberts7560]

She’s enchanting. Some people just have it and she had it. Love you Tina

[@DiverBand]

Oh my God was this woman drop dead gorgeous! Wow! Ultra talented and such a brilliant dynamic performer. RIP beautiful lady. The world will miss you Tina.

[@WeaselWorks]

She is the queen! And this is legendary. Her personality is simply the best. Thank you, Don Giller.

[@lindaclark9925]

Her answers in interviews are so truthful, so candid. Refreshing. God bless Tina.

[@MickeyDs14]

It’s crazy how no one really picked up on her saying she was uncomfortable and afraid at Phil Spector’s house. Then almost 10 years later Ronnie Spector wrote a book about how Phil abused her. So insane.

[@HappyGilmore924]

Before Ronnie’s book, did the general public know that Phil was awful or did he just have a normal reputation? When I was growing up, he had already been outed as an abuser.

[@shanegreen1677]

@@HappyGilmore924 i think the idea was that he was an eccentric

[@DJRitty]

@@shanegreen1677 He made people money. They are ALL snakes lol

[@thankyouforyourcompliance7386]

Strange to watch her while she was thinking of this. These women had to go through a lot with a straight face.

[@shanikabradley2870]

Yeah I did hear the story when he pulled the gun on John Lennon when John Lennon didn't want to sing a certain song and he tried to make him sing it and he pulled a gun on them and John Lennon said if you going to pull a gun on me you might as well use it

[@alan9758]

Now this is a real women what a lady I love her so much and I'm proud of her.x

[@simplenough]

The greatest singer of all time and no one comes close expect Mr. Mercury.

[@sarahnewcomb738]

Mercury doesn't even come close to Tina.....

[@m.hstudioproductions6642]

​@@sarahnewcomb738 Both Freddie Mercury and Tina Turner were great! They had such wonderful octaves and ranges!☺️👍✨

[@revolutionishere]

Whitney Houston ate both of them up but Tina is still a vocal titan as well.

[@simplenough]

@@revolutionishere I would say Whitney had a perfect voice. No one in pop music history comes close. I prefer Tina and Anita to her though.

[@jgdforesthills1]

Great narrative. Always loved Tina’s voice. She was given a God given talent. She worked very hard to-get to where she is. Hope she is enjoying her well deserved retirement. God keep her well.

[@pango-y8j]

Tina Turner 83 RIP 🍄🌹🍄

[@debramorales4283]

I've Never Met TINA.. But I Just Can Not Get Over Her Passing 😥

[@borood1188]

RIP such a beautiful smile. I’m mesmerized by the memories

[@lmfd7373]

that raspy voice omg she was everything so 🔥🔥🔥

[@ThatsJustMyBabyDaddy]

Crazy how some people are just discovering who she is. Thanks HBO!

[@murraywood5845]

Yhn

[@Chefjunedaboss8340]

Omg what rock they been hiding under smh 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@direfranchement]

The only people just discovering who she is are Y2K/Gen Z babies, and that isn't particularly crazy at all. It isn't their music. Anyone over 30 knows who she is and that Ike beat her ass.

[@Chefjunedaboss8340]

@@direfranchement now that’s a very true point never thought of it like that 🤔

[@APT420]

@@direfranchement Sooooooo many Ike and Tina jokes back in the day. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@SSp232]

I’m so glad she didn’t have any tattoos. Beautiful.

[@michellebabicz2143]

What a woman! RIP to a true maverick.

[@kengreig8197]

Im 72 and I will miss you.

[@tmalone2530]

David could NOT stop checking her out when she walked out. Who could blame him! 😂

[@ethelynblackmore7841]

😅right, he was baiting her, but too low for her.

[@kathyprettyman3]

I am 100% American and I have loved this song since I was a very little girl!

[@dawnsarver5620]

She was very gracious in this interview. I’m sure she was thinking, (I’m here to promote my album and you’re handing me a tuna turner!) lol.

[@dongiller]

Every guest has a pre-interview with the show’s segment producer where prospective topics are suggested and discussed. The guest always has final approval.

[@andrewcharles7873]

So sad to hear of her passing....RIP Tina...what a legend😓🙏🙏

[@dongiller]

She hasn’t passed away.

[@jessstone7486]

Good grief - don't believe those twisted idiots on YT who keep posting celebrity 'deaths'. They are LIARS! Miss Turner is very much alive!!!

[@quanashiab.9620]

This was a lie, but until it unfortunately actually happened today.

[@michelledaniels844]

Wow .... for this comment to be here a month before Her passing 😢

[@michaelastorga3187]

RIP Tina Turner. She was one of the sexiest artist. Those legs

[@Karla_Marie]

I was born in the '60s and grew up in the seventies. I recall in the '70s hearing River deep mountain high and loving it. It may not have hit initially when it came out but it became a classic here in the states as well.

[@SmoothCinnamonX]

There was also the hit remake by The Supremes and The Four Tops in 1971 that helped introduce people to this amazing song

[@Royale_with_Cheeze]

39 years ago. I remember this particular episode. That was hilarious. R.I.P. Tina. You are simply the best!

[@zoso73]

I remember it well because of the Tuna Turner.

[@michaelprunty3104]

She was naturally likable, naturally cool, naturally deep, naturally unique, and naturally funny. Classy and hot!!

[@darinjames3313]

Shes so beautiful and talented.....and what great music she gave us.....Vote for Tina....Rock n Roll Hall of Fame......

[@gardensofthegods]

I remember watching this live way back in the day and it doesn't seem like more than maybe 17 years ago

[@usafdirtboyz2797]

It is crazy I watched this the day it aired in 1984....I was 19 at the time in my barracks room in Hawaii when i watched this....I always remembered it by the way she cranked the tuna turner.....very funny stuff...

[@dannymiles6503]

Gosh, Tina was simply dazzling here, such a force of a woman and performer. I love her and i miss her so much. Tina.. You were simply The Best❤️🌹🌹❤️

[@michelleagleton2344]

I love her laugh.

[@dannymiles6503]

@@michelleagleton2344 Yes! I love her laugh too, and combined with her looks here, her laugh is so charming, thanks for that Michelle.

[@HeyMySock]

The Tuna Turner! I still remember seeing this interview, soo many years later. Good stuff!

[@serfer1983]

I've never clicked so fast on a KZbin video!!

[@mjp96]

How could you not love her?

[@usafdirtboyz2797]

It is crazy I watched this the day it aired in 1984....I was 19 at the time in my barracks room in Hawaii when i watched this....I always remembered it by the way she cranked the tuna turner.....very funny stuff...

[@wookiewarrior8948]

Dave always showed a lot of respect for Tina when she visited his show. He seems like a fan of hers.

[@TheBolicSound]

I love how she got excited @ 3:59 when Paul & the band started playing ‘River Deep, Mountain High’. She said “Oh, really?!?” and she giggled 😄

[@anthonyhosea8780]

My fave part of the interview!! 🤟🏾😸✨

[@madelynn6976]

I love her laugh, smile, style! 😂😻!

[@jamesnorris9637]

What an amazing time in history. Thank you for sharing

[@sherriewright9666]

I love this amazing woman she is “The Best” and always will be! She loved her audience and WE loved her right back! Her confidence comes from she knows the “People” are the true critics and her focus was making ALL of us happy! She even states it doesn’t really matter if the “Big Wigs” of the Radio Stations liked her… WE the people “as she referred to” LOVED her and she loved all of us right back! A GREAT BIG THANK YOU Tina Turner your Legacy will live on forever ❤🙏

[@DBurgg]

What a treat to be able to watch Tina and Dave together. I think he wanted a private dance! Albums...weren't they great?

[@brookeerdman8338]

That album!!! Stellar

[@kencarson8606]

We lost a Goddess. Rest In Peace Tina.

[@guglielmo64]

Love her! RIP ❤

[@danijones819]

she was meant to be Tina Turner...RIP Queen,,,we love u

[@Bluzian74]

Im a dude, and Tina Turner is my idol! Or maybe it's a secret crush? Geez... she is UBER-woman!! Voice! Legs! Humour! Intelligent! Kind, soft spoken, classy, forgiving, spiritual, loving, a great sport, she's down for anything! :P

[@9555to]

Thanks for posting. I have been looking for this full interview for a while.

[@genecawley]

Thanks for uploading this. I haven't seen it in years.

[@coachonthego]

Just a gorgeous lady...love her laugh...such energy..loved her!

[@JCNDCIII]

I've never really watched an interview with Tina before. She was delightful! Her accent has always puzzled me since she is from the south. She doesn't sound like. it. It is almost like a the classic old studio Mid-Atlantic dialect. Fascinating to see her at the time of your comeback. I saw her in concert during that era and she was fab. I just realized I'm watching this on May 31, 2023. 39 years after it aired!

[@SuperMan-xy8ui]

At the time, America wasn’t mentally ready for River Deep, Mountain High. I bought her album Private Dancer and played it over and over and over.

[@simontrencher8245]

Sad to hear of her passing . Great lady and artist ...

[@paulsanton-rutherford6885]

Tina Turner turns the tuna! Fabulous!

[@TheJuniorMints]

Thanks Don!

[@wintersbattleofbands1144]

How cool we get to hear the entire studio break! I vividly remember this interview and the Tina Tuna Turner, as my friend Ken and I called it, or any similar gadget thereafter.

[@donkeyballs3307]

She was 44 years old in this interview, cant tell by looking at her

[@rozsakimable]

A true icon in every sense of the word

[@carmensandiego7749]

Rest in power, Queen Tina.

[@amorphuc]

Wow. Thanks for sharing this.

[@mattbennett8686]

Extraordinary that the United States failed to appreciate Tina's rendition of a song as soulful and moving as River Deep. Sad.

[@gimzoso]

What a great sport and spirit. How can you not be charmed?

[@ARTCHANIFY]

saw her that summer live at Milwaukee Afrofest right before she broke out with Private Dancer - it was insane, she was so damn good without Ike controlling her