Bryan Adams Reminisces About Performing A Duet With Tina Turner
via VINYLADDICT / YouTube
In the latest issue of Classic Rock, which hits the stands this Friday, Bryan Adams takes center stage as the Guest Editor. In a candid interview that spans his illustrious career, Adams delves into the early days of his music journey, his breakthrough moments, the thrill of creating a mega-hit like “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You,” and, most notably, his cherished memories of performing a duet with the legendary Tina Turner on the hit song “It’s Only Love.”
Adams, ever the Tina Turner enthusiast, shared:
“I was such a Tina fan. I used to go and see her in the clubs before ‘Private Dancer’ happened for her and when she was still trying to get back on her feet. (greenbot.com) ”
The story of their collaboration dates back to early 1984 when producer John Carter reached out to Adams.
Adams recalls:
“He said, ‘Man, I’m producing Tina Turner. Do you have a song for her?’ We were finishing up ‘Reckless’ in New York, and I told him I didn’t, but maybe Tina would sing on one of my songs. I sent him ‘It’s Only Love,’ but never heard back.”
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Several months later, while Adams believed his work on “Reckless” was complete and he was back in Vancouver, he learned that Tina Turner was in town to support Lionel Richie.
Adams wasted no time and contacted her manager, inquiring if she would consider recording the song for his album. To his delight, he received a call back informing him that Tina wanted to meet him.
“I’m backstage in Vancouver once more, so nervous, and Tina is coming down the hallway again, but this time she has that big wig on. I could hear her saying, ‘Where is he? Which one is he?’ Someone said to her, ‘He’s the scrawny little guy over there in the corner.’ She came over and said to me, ‘I love that song.’ She recorded it with us the next day.”
However, a challenge arose during the recording process, as Adams realized that “It’s Only Love” was in his pitch and not ideally suited for Tina’s voice.
He candidly shared,
“I’m twenty-four, and I had to go into the room and say to her, ‘Tina, it’s not really working with you singing my melody. Why don’t you sing this…?’ And I started to sing, pretending to be Tina Turner. She just went off and did her thing. After she’d said her goodbyes, I turned to Bob Clearmountain, who was my co-producer, and said, ‘Tell me you got that.’ We ran the tape back, and there it was, a sensational moment.”
Bryan Adams’ career is adorned with numerous sensational moments, and his interview in the upcoming Classic Rock issue offers a deeper glimpse into this music icon’s extraordinary journey. Don’t miss the chance to read about these captivating moments when the magazine becomes available this Friday.
