After the passing of Tina Turner, we take a look back at how an Oxfordshire songwriter penned one of the rock icon's singles which appeared on her best hits album.

The singer died at the age of 83 after a long illness and a lifetime as one of rock’s most famous voices.

Her career spanned six decades with her career giving the world classic tracks such as River Deep – Mountain High, Proud Mary, Nutbush City Limits and The Best.

READ MORE: Tina Turner rocked the Apollo Theatre in Oxford in 1984

One of her songs was written by songwriter Russ Courtenay, of South Hill, Cornbury Park, Charlbury in West Oxfordshire.

He penned the song Whatever You Need for Ms Turner in 2000 which first appeared on her album Twenty Four Seven.

Mr Courtenay, who had never met Ms Turner before writing the song but became a fan after watching her at Wembley, said: “My publisher in London is friendly with her manager.

“He played her the song and she loved it.”

Witney Gazette: The Oxford Mail featuring Russ Courtenay in February 2005The Oxford Mail featuring Russ Courtenay in February 2005 (Image: Newsquest archive)

The album reached number 9 in the UK Albums Chart before reaching number 21 in the US and Canada on the Billboard 200, selling 60,000 copies in its first week

The song then featured on Ms Turner’s greatest hits album All The Best in 2004 which included two decades of songs and three newly recorded tracks.

The album peaked at number six on the UK Albums Chart, selling nearly 45,000 copies in its first week, and at number two on the Billboard 200, selling 121,000 copies in its first week, becoming Turner's highest debut in the United States.

The album was certified platinum in the US three months after its release.

In March 2007, the album re-entered the UK chart at number 18.

It has since been certified platinum in various countries.

The song itself peaked at 21 in the UK single charts.