Released October 28, 1984 Genre Pop
smooth jazz
R&B | Recorded 1984 Length 7:11 | |
B-side "Keep Your Hands Off My Baby" Format 7" single
12" single
Cassette | ||
"Private Dancer" is a song by American recording artist Tina Turner. Initially penned for and recorded by British rock band Dire Straits, it was written by the group's lead vocalist Mark Knopfler and produced by John Carter for Turner's fifth solo album Private Dancer (1984). 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.
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The music video for the song features Tina Turner as a disillusioned ballroom dancer, although the song has also been interpreted as being sung from the perspective of a prostitute.
Background
The song was originally going to be included on the Dire Straits album Love over Gold. After the instrumental track was recorded, however, the vocals were not added. Mark Knopfler considered that they were not suitable for a male to sing, so the track was cut from the final mix. Legal restrictions prevented the original recording from being used, so two years after it was recorded, the track was remade by Dire Straits for Tina Turner. Terry Williams replaced the original drummer Pick Withers. Knopfler did not appear on the track and was replaced by Jeff Beck.
The music video, featuring dance choreography by Arlene Phillips, was directed by Brian Grant and filmed at London's Rivoli Ballroom.