Davies also worked to reconnect her with the rock world — with artists who understood what she could do and who were willing to say so publicly. David Bowie spoke about her in terms that the rock press took seriously. Mick Jagger, her collaborator from the 1969 Rolling Stones tour era, remained a point of connection. Rod Stewart continued to be visible with her. These weren’t charity endorsements; they were artists who had watched her perform and knew what they were talking about.
In 1982, Martyn Ware of Heaven 17 approached her about recording a version of “Ball of Confusion,” the Temptations song. The result was released on an album and got significant play. It was the beginning of a reframing: Tina Turner in a contemporary electronic pop context, working with producers who were making music that sounded like 1982 rather than 1972.
## “Let’s Stay Together” and the Capitol Deal
The specific chain of events that led to the Private Dancer album began with Martyn Ware’s work and a cover recording that opened a door.
In late 1983, Tina Turner recorded a cover of Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together,” produced by Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh of Heaven 17. The record was released on November 25, 1983, in the UK. It reached number six in the UK, number twenty-six on the Billboard Hot 100, number one on the Hot Dance Club Songs chart, and number three on the Hot Black Singles chart.
The record was enough. Capitol Records’ A&R man John Carter, against internal opposition within the label, signed Tina Turner in 1983. The label wanted a full album. They gave her approximately two weeks to deliver it.