May 01, 2023

1965 - March: Ike & Tina Turner “Live! The Ike & Tina Turner Show”

28 minutes

Although Ike & Tina Turner had been performing since 1960 and were well known for the energy of their performances, it wasn't until 1965 and the release of Live! The Ike & Tina Turner Show that they received national recognition. This album featured the best live performances of the previous year.

Tina Turner was born Martha Nell Bullock (aka Anna Mae Bullock), and was given the name Tina Turner as a stage name when she toured as a feature with Ike Turner in 1960. They were not married at the time, and Ike Turner had the name "Tina Turner" trademarked, so that he could use another singer performing under the same name if the singer we now know as Tina Turner ever left the band. Ike and Tina would be married after the birth of their son in 1960. Ike Turner had been married 5 times before meeting Tina.

Most of this album features Tina Turner on lead vocals with Ike performing guitar on stage, and a full band behind them including a horn section (The Kings of Rhythm) and backup singers (The Ikettes). Ike Turner has lead vocals on a few songs, but Tina Turner was the real draw.

Ike and Tina Turner had their infamous divorce in 1978. Tina retained songwriter royalties from songs she had written, two Jaguar cars, furs and jewelry, and - perhaps most importantly - her stage name.

Wayne features this high energy live album for today's podcast.

Something's Got a Hold On Me

The song that leads off side 2 of the album is a cover originally performed by Etta James in 1962. James co-wrote the song along with Leroy Kirkland and Pearl Woods, and the original went to number 4 on the Billboard Hot R&B Sides chart.

Finger Poppin'

Ike Turner wrote this original song which leads off the album. The name refers to snapping fingers. While the rest of the album is either covers or songs written by other people, this is the only one with writing credits for Ike Turner.

Tight Pants (High Heel Sneakers)

This track is a cover originally written and performed by Tommy Tucker (aka Robert Higginbotham) in 1963 This blues classic was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame as a "classic of blues recording" in 2017. Many musicians covered this one in addition to Ike & Tina Turner, including Johnny Rivers, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, and even David Cassidy.

To Tell the Truth

Ray Charles penned this high energy song, which concludes the album.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

The Sound of Music by Julie Andrews (from the motion picture “The Sound of Music”)

This musical starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer was set in Salzburg, Austria, loosely based on the von Trapp Family Singers.

STAFF PICKS:

People Get Ready by The Impressions

Bruce takes us to church with this gospel-based hit. The Impressions formed in 1958 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Front Man Curtis Mayfield wrote this song, which went to number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. It reflects both gospel and politics, as Mayfield was becoming politically active at the time. A number of covers have been performed of this song, perhaps most famously by Rod Stewart and Jeff Beck.

This Diamond Ring by Gary Lewis & the Playboys

Rob's staff pick features the son of comedian Jerry Lewis. Gary Lewis & the Playboys were funded by Gary's mother, and got their start in a gig at Disneyland. This song about a broken relationship was on the charts for 12 weeks.

Ain't That Peculiar by Marvin Gaye

Lynch's features Gaye's second US million seller. It was written by Smokey Robinson in London with Miracles guitarist Marv Tarplin, specifically for Marvin Gaye as a follow-up to his previous hit "I'll Be Doggone." This song is about the torment of a painful relationship.

Tired of Waiting for You by The Kinks

Wayne wraps up the staff picks with this single which went to number 1 in the UK and number 6 in the US. It is the group's highest-charting single in the US - tied with "Come Dancing" which would not reach this level on the charts until 1983. The song chronicles the woes of a boy being strung along by a girl who has him under her spell.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Apache '65 by Davie Allan & the Arrows

This close out this week's podcast with a surfing instrumental.

Thanks for listening to “What the Riff?!?”

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By Rob Marbury, Wayne Rowan, Bruce Fricks, John Lynch

4.9

4747 ratings