IKE & TINA: Single

If I Can’t Be First (1963)

Ike & Tina Turner - If I Can't Be First - Single

If I Can’t Be First is the first single after Ike Turner formed his own record label „Sonja“ in 1963. Both songs are non album tracks, but the title track was included later on the sampler The Soul of Ike & Tina from 1965 and a live version is available on the album Festival of Live Performances. The b-side track is only available on this single.

Writer: Ike Turner
Producer: Ike Turner
Release: September 1963
Label: Sonja
Format: 7“ Vinyl
Album: Non album track

  1. If I Can’t Be First 2:14
  2. I’m Going Back Home 1:43

Billboard - November 09, 1963

R&B vocalist lke Turner has formed his own label, Sonja Records, and has already cut singles with his wife Tina, and the lkettes. The husband-wife team had been with Sue Records since 1959. Already set as distributors are Superior, New York; Schwartz Brothers, Washington; California Records, Los Angeles; Concord, Cleveland, and All State in Chicago. Turner said that in addition to the hard rock and roll tunes he has been associated with, he plans working with other artists and tunes in a more pop vein.

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