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Private Dancer (Tina Turner song)

"Private Dancer" is a song first released and made famous by Tina Turner in 1984. The song was written by Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits, but never fully recorded or released by his band. Turner's recording was produced by John Carter for her fifth solo album of the same name and released as the album's fifth single. The track reached number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number three on the US R&B chart. The song had moderate international success, reaching number 26 on the UK Singles Chart.

"Private Dancer"

"Keep Your Hands Off My Baby or Nutbush City Limits (Live)"

November 1984 (UK)[1]

1983

  • 7:11 (album version)
  • 3:57 (single edit)

Capitol

Mark Knopfler

Carter

Critical reception[edit]

The Daily Vault's Mark Millan wrote, "It's a sexy, dark track that gives the album an edge and also a chance for Turner's powerful sexuality to sparkle."[6]

Music video[edit]

The accompanying music video for "Private Dancer", featuring dance choreography by Arlene Phillips, was directed by Brian Grant and filmed at the Rivoli Ballroom in Crofton Park in London.[7] It features Turner as a disillusioned taxi dancer, although the song has also been interpreted as being sung from the perspective of a prostitute.[8] The video was later published on Turner's official YouTube channel in March 2009. It has amassed more than 40 million views as of June 2023.[9]

– vocals

Tina Turner

– guitar solo

Jeff Beck

– bass guitar

John Illsley

– keyboards

Alan Clark

– guitar

Hal Lindes

– drums

Terry Williams

– tenor saxophone

Mel Collins

Julian Diggle and – percussion

Carter

– cover photography (US)

Norman Seeff

– cover photography (UK)

Peter Ashworth

7-inch edit – 3:54

Album version – 7:11

The album version was remastered in 2015. The song remained the same length and is titled "Private Dancer – 2015 Remaster."

Cover versions[edit]

American singer-songwriter, rapper, and bassist Meshell Ndegeocello recorded a cover version of the song for her album Ventriloquism, released on March 16, 2018.[30]


In 2015, Canadian electronic musician and performance artist Peaches performed a piano version of the song on The Strombo Show at the home of George Stroumboulopoulos. Peaches had previously played the song live at different concerts.[31]