Over the weekend, the soulhead staff rewatched the TV One Unsung episode featuring Ike Turner. Yes, that Ike Turner. Despite all of the negatives associated with his relationship with his legendary counterpart, Tina Turner, the two of them, along with the rest of the Ike and Tina Turner Review really made history. After achieving initial success, they went on a serious drought with declining sales at the record counter and in venues despite having a very large staff to support.
It wasn’t until they decided to reimagine the 1969 version by Creedence Clearwater Revival that their fortunes were reversed. This would be one of the most important records of their career and proved to be an amazing strategic move. Although, at this time, much of the covers occurred in reverse with mainstream rock groups like the Rolling Stones covering underground blues and soul classics, this would be Ike and Tina’s entree into the proverbial “big time”. Their version, released in 1970, would reach #4 on the pop charts (vs. #2 for CCR) and earn a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance in 1972.
Enjoy both versions below and let us know which you prefer.
Creedence Clearwater Revival – Proud Mary (original)
Ike and Tina Turner (remake)