Tina Turns the Country On! is the debut solo studio album by Tina Turner, released in September 1974 on the United Artists Records.[2] Released while Turner was still a member of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue,[3] it was an attempt by her husband, Ike Turner, to expose her to a wider audience.[4] Although the album did not chart, it earned Turner a Grammy Award nomination in the "Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female" category.[5]
Recording and release
Tina Turns the Country On! was recorded at Turner's recording studio, Bolic Sound in Inglewood, California. It was produced by Nashville producer Tom Thacker. The album is made up of mostly covers by various country and folk artists, including Kris Kristofferson, Bob Dylan, Olivia Newton-John, James Taylor and Dolly Parton. The track "Bayou Song" is an original song written for Turner by Peter-John Morse.[6] There were no singles released from the album.
In November 2023, the album was made available on streaming services and as a digital download, marking its first release in any digital format.
The album was re-issued on LP and CD on November 15, 2024.[7]
Critical reception
The album received positive reviews. Cash Box magazine stated, "Tina continues to be the performer that has turned on countless thousands."[8]
Fine mix of country, folky and soft rock tunes done in Tina's inimitable style. On this effort she flexes her voice from its softest to its usual rough tone and molds it perfectly around each cut. Drawing from a wide range of composers from Dylan to Dolly Parton to Kris Kristofferson to Hank Snow. Ms. Turner should gain easy soul and pop play and possibly some country play. Surprisingly effective are the slow cuts, and Tina proves just as adept an interpreter of other's material as she is a singer of original songs.[1]
