Why Aussies became addicted to Tina Turner's classic hit Nutbush City Limits and the very personal meaning behind the song

By Chloe-lee Longhetti and Jimmy Briggs For Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

Fans across the world are mourning the death of Tina Turner, aged 83.

The legendary singer became an icon in Australia thanks to one of her biggest hits, Nutbush City Limits, an ode to life in Tennessee, where Turner was born and raised.

Many Aussies will fondly remember doing 'The Nutbush' dance at school functions, weddings and formals.

It is a touching tribute to a semi-rural lifestyle which resonated with many Australians, and the dance was even taught in some schools back in the eighties.

Beyond its catchy beat, the track holds historical relevance for Australians as it was one of the standout hits from Turner's career which she performed to packed crowds in Australia.

Fans across the world are mourning the death of Tina Turner, aged 83. The legendary singer became an icon in Australia thanks to one of her biggest hits, Nutbush City Limits, an ode to life in Tennessee, where Turner was born and raised. Pictured

Fans across the world are mourning the death of Tina Turner, aged 83. The legendary singer became an icon in Australia thanks to one of her biggest hits, Nutbush City Limits, an ode to life in Tennessee, where Turner was born and raised. Pictured 

Turner's powerful performance and the song's catchy nature captured the hearts of Australians, establishing a lasting connection between the artist and the country.

Nutbush City Limits became an anthem for a laid-back lifestyle, embodying the Australian spirit and reminding people of the power of music to unite and inspire. 

Tina had several other connections to Australia, beginning in 1985 when she flew Down Under to film Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome with Mel Gibson. 

Several years later, her 1989 smash hit (Simply) The Best was used to promote rugby league Down Under - and she rerecorded it as a duet with Jimmy Barnes in 1992.

The legendary singer died at her home in Küsnach near Zurich, Switzerland, following a long, unspecified illness.

Nutbush City Limits became an anthem for a laid-back lifestyle, embodying the Australian spirit and reminding people of the power of music to unite and inspire

Nutbush City Limits became an anthem for a laid-back lifestyle, embodying the Australian spirit and reminding people of the power of music to unite and inspire 

Many Aussies will fondly remember doing 'The Nutbush' dance at school functions, weddings and formals. Pictured is a Nutbush dance record attempt in 2021 in Queensland

Many Aussies will fondly remember doing 'The Nutbush' dance at school functions, weddings and formals. Pictured is a Nutbush dance record attempt in 2021 in Queensland

Her representatives announced the news, saying: 'With her the world loses a music legend and role model.'

On April 9, in what are believed to be her final public remarks, she told The Guardian how she hoped the world would remember her - and how she did not fear death.

'How would you like to be remembered?' the Guardian asked.

'As the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll. As a woman who showed other women that it is OK to strive for success on their own terms.'

The legendary singer died at her home in Küsnach near Zurich, Switzerland, following a long, unspecified illness

The legendary singer died at her home in Küsnach near Zurich, Switzerland, following a long, unspecified illness

Asked what frightens her about getting older, she replied: 'Nothing. This is life's full adventure and I embrace and accept every day with what it brings.'

Turner is survived by two of her four sons - two preceded her in death - and her 67-year-old husband, Erwin Bach.

The pair married in 2013 after dating for nearly 30 years.

Throughout her career, Turner won eight Grammy's from 25 nominations and three lifetime Grammy Awards. 

Her final stadium concert was in Sheffield, England, in 2009.

On April 9, in what are believed to be her final public remarks, she told The Guardian how she hoped the world would remember her - and how she did not fear death. 'As the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll. As a woman who showed other women that it is OK to strive for success on their own terms,' she said

On April 9, in what are believed to be her final public remarks, she told The Guardian how she hoped the world would remember her - and how she did not fear death. 'As the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll. As a woman who showed other women that it is OK to strive for success on their own terms,' she said

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