Beyoncé Memorializes Tina Turner With “River Deep – Mountain High” Cover
Beyoncé perfromed a touching tribute to the recently passed Tina Turner, singing a cover of the rock legend's "River Deep - Mountain High."
Beyoncé honored the late Tina Turner live during the seventh night of The Renaissance World Tour. During the first evening of Bey’s five-night engagement at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, the 32-time Grammy-winner performed a cover of “River Deep – Mountain High,” originally recorded by Ike & Tina Turner, which consisted of the former husband and wife duo from 1960 to 1976. The 1966 song, co-written and produced by Phil Spector, also marked the duo’s crossover into pop music and was dramatized in 1993 music biographical film What’s Love Got to Do With It.
Onstage, Bey reimagined “River Deep – Mountain High,” singing a stripped-down version of the 1966 single while still giving a powerhouse rendition. The honor follows Beyoncé’s memorialization for Turner, born Anna Mae Bullock, on her official website.
“My beloved queen. I love you endlessly,” reads Beyoncé’s message to Turner. “I’m so grateful for your inspiration, and all the ways you have paved the way. You are strength and resilience. You are the epitome of power and passion. We are all so fortunate to have witnessed your kindness and beautiful spirit that will forever remain. Thank you for all you have done.”
Bey performed with Turner at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards in 2008, both giving a show-stopping rendition of Ike & Tina’s “Proud Mary,” a 1971 cover of the original by Creedence Clearwater Revival. In 2005, Beyoncé performed “Proud Mary” solo for Turner at the Kennedy Center Honors.
For the remainder of Beyoncé’s time in London, a Renaissance flagship pop-up will be held at Flannels X on Oxford Street.