Biography
Robbie Montgomery launched her performing career in a gospel choir during childhood before transitioning into R&B at sixteen as a member of the Chordettes. That ensemble later became the Rhythmettes, and with managerial support the singers cut two compositions penned by Montgomery for Yvette Records. The lineup proved short-lived; after linking with Art Lassitter the women rebranded as the Ardettes. Lassitter’s connection introduced Montgomery to Ike Turner, who enlisted her to sing backup on the single “A Fool for Love,” a hit he recorded with his then-wife Tina Turner. The session work led directly to her role as one of Ike Turner’s original Ikettes, a position she held for more than six years.
When the Turners relocated to Los Angeles in 1962, Montgomery followed and soon found steady session work. She joined the Nighttrippers, Dr. John’s backing vocal group, and contributed to three of his albums while also supplying harmonies for the Rolling Stones, the Supremes, Barbra Streisand, Stevie Wonder, and Burt Bacharach. Additional live dates placed her behind José Feliciano, Pink Floyd, Quincy Jones, B.B. King, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Jerry Butler, Patti Labelle, Rod Stewart, Elton John, and Bobby Bland, among others. She performed at New Orleans’ Jazz & Heritage Festival and during Mardi Gras in Louisiana.
By the mid-1980s Montgomery had settled in St. Louis, where she continues to front her own ensemble. The city named her one of its official Goodwill Musical Ambassadors, and the Missouri Historical Society later recognized her sustained contributions. She also owns the restaurant Sweetie Pie’s.
When the Turners relocated to Los Angeles in 1962, Montgomery followed and soon found steady session work. She joined the Nighttrippers, Dr. John’s backing vocal group, and contributed to three of his albums while also supplying harmonies for the Rolling Stones, the Supremes, Barbra Streisand, Stevie Wonder, and Burt Bacharach. Additional live dates placed her behind José Feliciano, Pink Floyd, Quincy Jones, B.B. King, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Jerry Butler, Patti Labelle, Rod Stewart, Elton John, and Bobby Bland, among others. She performed at New Orleans’ Jazz & Heritage Festival and during Mardi Gras in Louisiana.
By the mid-1980s Montgomery had settled in St. Louis, where she continues to front her own ensemble. The city named her one of its official Goodwill Musical Ambassadors, and the Missouri Historical Society later recognized her sustained contributions. She also owns the restaurant Sweetie Pie’s.
Albums
