The passing of Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler is one that resonates heavily with me. Not to start this article off by being personal, but that’s the power of music. For many people, music is a very personal medium. It can empower us, move us to tears, bring us joy, and ease our tensions. Tyler’s biggest song, “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” was a power ballad of the highest caliber. It’s exactly the kind of song that is tailor-made for emotional impact in a big ’80s way. Tyler’s voice brought it to life. But her story is entwined with that of two others. Now’s a good time to break that all down.
Early Success and Jim Steinman
In America, Tyler’s legacy can be broken down to effectively three songs. In 1977, she had a hit with “It’s a Heartache.” Six years later, she would have her signature song, “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” Then the year after that would be her final US hit, “Holding Out for a Hero.” The latter two of those songs were written and produced by Jim Steinman. He was the key to Tyler’s comeback due to his falling out with Meat Loaf.
In 1977, Meat Loaf released his album, Bat Out of Hell. The music and lyrics were written by Steinman, with Todd Rundgren brought in as producer. Even with Rundgren in the production seat, he followed Steinman’s vision of lush, symphonic production. They were aided by musicians like backing vocalist Rory Dodd alongside E-Street Band members Max Weinberg and Roy Bittan on drums and piano, respectively. The record was a massive hit.
Steinman and Meat Loaf Part Ways
The follow-up to the album wasn’t realized in the way it could’ve been. Meat Loaf suffered a series of health problems that prevented him from working on the intended release of the record, Bad for Good. Steinman ended up having to record the vocals himself and produced it using virtually the same posse of musicians in 1981. Then, when Meat Loaf finally was back in good form, Steinman ended up writing him another set of songs that resulted in the record Dead Ringer. But in truth, Meat Loaf’s voice was still not great, and the record flopped.
When 1983 rolled around, Meat Loaf was set for another record, but he and Steinman had a falling out. There were a couple of songs Steinman had lined up and good to go, but disputes with Meat Loaf’s record label stopped it from happening. Steinman was keen to get these songs out there and continue working. He needed a voice for his work, and he found it in Bonnie Tyler.
Thus, she wound up with “Total Eclipse of the Heart” on her 1983 record, Faster Than the Speed of Night. Steinman wrote the title track for the album as well. Once again, he brought along much of the same team of musicians he used with Meat Loaf and on his own record. That’s why “Total Eclipse of the Heart” sounds like it could have been a Meat Loaf song. It’s basically the same writer, producer, and musicians, but with the singer swapped out.
Continued Collaborations and the Future
Skip ahead a year to 1984, and Steinman and Bonnie Tyler would collaborate again for the song “Holding Out for a Hero” for the Footloose soundtrack. The song would later be added to the 1986 record, Secret Dreams and Forbidden Fire, which was again produced by Steinman. It would be their final full collaboration on a record together. In 1995, Steinman would produce two songs for Tyler’s album, Free Spirit. They were covers of previously released Steinman songs. “Making Love Out of Nothing at All” was originally released by Air Supply. And “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad,” originally by Meat Loaf.
Tyler’s career was never as big as it was when she worked with Steinman. She was still incredibly popular across Europe. Still, she didn’t have any other hits in the States and didn’t fare much better in her native UK. Something noteworthy is her 1988 album, Hide Your Heart actually featured Tyler singing songs that would become hits for other artists. “Don’t Turn Around” would become an Ace of Base smash. “Save Up All Your Tears” would be a moderate hit for Cher. Meanwhile, “The Best” would become a signature song for Tina Turner.
Sadly, with the passing of Tyler, all three of the artists in this tangled legacy have passed away. Steinman was the first to go in 2021. Meat Loaf would pass away not long after in 2022. Now, in 2026, this entire chapter closes with Bonnie Tyler’s passing. Their artistry was strongly linked in their heydays, and it will continue as long as people keep their stories alive.
