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Bonnie Tyler's Hit Song Almost Never Was
9 Jul
Summary
- Total Eclipse of the Heart was almost shelved.
- Tyler pursued Jim Steinman after seeing Meat Loaf.
- Steinman was impressed by Tyler's passionate voice.
In 1983, Bonnie Tyler faced a career crossroads after a series of flop singles, with her label pushing for a return to her earlier country-rock sound. Tyler, however, harbored ambitions to collaborate with Jim Steinman, the acclaimed writer behind Meat Loaf's "Bat Out of Hell."
Steinman remained skeptical until he received Tyler's rock demos. He agreed to meet her in New York, where he was immediately struck by her passionate rock vocal delivery. He famously compared her voice to that of Janis Joplin.
That same night, Steinman played "Total Eclipse of the Heart" for Tyler at his piano, offering her the song. This collaboration, born from Tyler's determination and Steinman's impressed reception, led to one of the era's most enduring rock anthems.
