Song Details
- Artist
- Ike and Tina Turner
- Album
- River Deep - Mountain High
- Released
- 1966
- Genre
- Pop-Soul, R&B
- Length
- 3:40
¶ Deep Analysis
"River Deep - Mountain High" was Phil Spector's magnum opus, a record he considered perfect but which failed commercially in the US upon release, leading him to temporary retirement. It is a towering example of his "Wall of Sound" production technique.
Tina's Tour de Force
Tina Turner delivers a vocal performance of superhuman intensity, battling against a dense, swirling arrangement of brass, strings, and percussion. Spector allegedly made her sing the song over and over until she was drenched in sweat and on the verge of collapse.
Despite being credited to "Ike and Tina Turner," Ike Turner was paid $20,000 to stay away from the studio. This is purely a Phil Spector and Tina Turner creation.
@ History & Impact
-
1
UK Success
While it flopped in the US (reaching only #88), it was a huge hit in the UK (#3), championed by George Harrison and the Rolling Stones.
-
2
Production Cost
It cost a then-astronomical $22,000 to produce, utilizing 21 session musicians and 21 background singers.