The Ikettes

{{Short description|American backing vocalists for the Ike & Tina Turner Revue}} {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2023}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = The Ikettes | image = Ikettes1.jpeg | caption = The Ikettes in 1968. Left to right: Ann Thomas, Paulette Parker, Pat Powdrill, Jean Brown. | image_size = | background = group_or_band | birth_name = | alias = | origin = | instrument = | genre = R&B, soul, pop | occupation = Backing vocalists, girl group | years_active = 1960–1976; 1988–2000s | label = {{flatlist| * Atco * Teena * Sony * Sonja * Innis * Phi-Dan * Modern * Pompeii * Liberty * United Artists}} | website = | current_members = | past_members = Robbie Montgomery Eloise Hester Jo Armstead Jessie Smith Venetta Fields Pat Arnold (a.k.a. P.P. Arnold) Juanita Hixson Gloria Scott Maxine Smith Pat Powdrill Ann Thomas Rose Smith Shelly Clark Paulette Parker (a.k.a. Maxayn Lewis) Ester Jones Claudia Lennear Edna Richardson Stonye Figueroa Linda Shuford-Williams Alesia Butler Yolanda Goodwin Jeanette Bazzell Turner Randi Love (a.k.a. Michelle Love) Audrey Madison Turner See members section for others }} '''The Ikettes''', were a female backing vocal group for R&B duo Ike & Tina Turner, performing primarily as a trio, though occasionally expanding to a quartet. The group originated in 1960 when Ike Turner recruited members of Art Lassiter's backing trio, the Artettes—Robbie Montgomery, Frances Hodges, and Sandra Harding—to record "A Fool in Love" with Tina Turner after Lassiter failed to appear for a scheduled session. Following the success of the single, Turner formed the Ike & Tina Turner Revue and assembled a new backing group, soon known as the Ikettes.

Although initially conceived as support vocalists, the Ikettes achieved success as recording artists in their own right, scoring hits in the 1960s such as "I'm Blue (The Gong-Gong Song)" and "Peaches 'N' Cream". In 2017, ''Billboard'' ranked "I'm Blue (The Gong-Gong Song)" No. 63 on its list of 100 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/media/lists/100-greatest-girl-group-songs-7857816/|title=100 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time: Critics' Picks|date=July 10, 2017|magazine=Billboard}}</ref>

The group's lineup changed frequently over the years, with notable members including Joshie "Jo" Armstead, Pat "P. P." Arnold, Shelly Clark, Paulette Parker (Maxayn Lewis), Claudia Lennear, Pat Powdrill, Ester Jones, Venetta Fields, Lejeune "Edna" Richardson, and Marcy Thomas (Lyrica Garrett). One of the most recognized later lineups featured Robbie Montgomery, Venetta Fields, and Jessie Smith, who subsequently formed the Mirettes.

The Ikettes became known for their dynamic stage presence, characterized by coordinated dance routines, minidresses, and a high-energy performance style that complemented Tina Turner's lead vocals.

== History == When R&B singer Art Lassiter failed to appear for a recording session in early 1960, bandleader Ike Turner enlisted his backing group, the Artettes—Robbie Montgomery, Frances Hodges, and Sandra Harding—to record "A Fool in Love" with his vocalist Little Ann (later Tina Turner).{{Sfn|Turner|Loder|1986|p=75}}<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |date=2007-08-22 |title=Life on the Road Leads to Skill with Soul Food |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/columbia-daily-tribune-life-on-the-road/196896941/ |access-date=2026-05-04 |work=Columbia Daily Tribune |pages=8}}</ref> Following the single's success, Turner formed the Ike & Tina Turner Revue and assembled a new backing trio: Delores Johnson, Eloise Hester, and Jo Armstead, as Montgomery was pregnant and unable to tour.<ref name=":4" /> The group recorded "I'm Blue (The Gong-Gong Song)" in 1961, which was released on Atco Records, and reached No. 3 on the ''Billboard'' R&B chart and No. 19 on the Hot 100.<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=February 10, 1962|title=Artist's Biographies: The Ikettes|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/60s/1962/Billboard%201962-02-10.pdf|magazine=Billboard|pages=36}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web|url=https://www.musicvf.com/The+Ikettes.art|title=The Ikettes Songs ••• Top Songs / Chart Singles Discography|website=Music VF, US & UK hits charts}}</ref>

Montgomery later returned and, with Jessie Smith—recruited from Benny Sharp and the Zorros of Rhythm—and Venetta Fields, a gospel singer from Buffalo, New York, formed the first official incarnation of the Ikettes.{{Sfn|Turner|Loder|1986|p=83}} The revue toured extensively on the Chitlin' Circuit in the segregated South, with occasional performances at major venues such as the Apollo Theater in New York, Howard Theater in Washington, D.C., and Uptown Theater in Philadelphia.<ref name=":0" />

In 1962, Turner moved the group to his Teena label, releasing "Crazy in Love" and "Prisoner in Love" (later retitled "No Bail in This Jail" to avoid confusion with a song by James Brown).<ref>{{Cite journal|date=June 8, 1963|title=Change Teena Singles Title, Names New Distribs|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/60s/1963/CB-1963-06-08.pdf|journal=Cash Box|pages=29}}</ref> During this period, singer Bonnie Bramlett briefly joined as the first white Ikette.<ref name=":6" /> Bramlett recalled that she was an Ikette for three days when she was 17. She put on a dark wig to cover her blonde hair and used Man Tan to darken her skin.<ref name=":7">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/interview-delaney-bonnie-74484/|title=Interview: Delaney & Bonnie|last=Hopkins|first=Jerry|date=May 31, 1969|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US|access-date=November 10, 2019}}</ref>

In 1964, the Ikettes released "Here's Your Heart" on Innis Records and "What'cha Gonna Do (When I Leave You)" on Phi-Dan Records in 1966, though neither achieved national success.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=February 1, 1964 |title=Singles Reviews; Pop Spotlight |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FUUEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA22&dq=Here%27s+Your+Heart+ikettes+1964&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjzoYvU7qCUAxUFFFkFHWgzANMQ6wF6BAgHEAE#v=onepage&q=Here's%20Your%20Heart%20ikettes%201964&f=false |journal=Billboard |pages=22}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Murray |first=Peter |date=1966-10-28 |title=Peter Murray's Record Review; Now I know Christmas Is Not Far Away |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/staffordshire-weekly-sentinel-potteries/140425458/ |access-date=2026-05-05 |work=Staffordshire Weekly Sentinel (Potteries ed.) |pages=6}}</ref> Between 1964 and 1966, they issued several singles on Modern Records, including "The Camel Walk" (1964) and the hits "Peaches 'N' Cream" (1965) and "I'm So Thankful"(1965).<ref name=":5" /> As "Peaches 'N' Cream" gained popularity, Ike Turner sent a separate lineup—Janice Singleton, Diane Rutherford, and Marquentta Tinsley—on tour with the Dick Clark Caravan of Stars, while Robbie Montgomery, Jessie Smith, and Venetta Fields remained with the revue.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1965-04-18 |title=Dick Clark Caravan To Feature 16 Acts |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-grand-rapids-press-dick-clark-carava/196904438/ |access-date=2026-05-05 |work=The Grand Rapids Press |pages=41}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Brackett |first=Donald |url= |title=Tumult!: The Incredible Life and Music of Tina Turner |date=2020 |publisher=Backbeat Books |others= |isbn=978-1-4930-5507-4 |location=Guilford, Connecticut |pages=64}}</ref> The trio later left to form the Mirettes, prompting Turner to recruit new Ikettes, including Pat Arnold, Gloria Scott, and Maxine Smith.{{Sfn|Turner|Loder|1986|p=125}} [[File:Tina Turner on Ed Sullivan 1970.jpg|thumb|Ikettes Ester Jones and Stonye Figueroa with Tina Turner on ''The Ed Sullivan Show'', 1970]] The group's first album, ''Soul the Hits'', was released in 1966. That same year, Tina Turner recorded the Phil Spector-produced single "River Deep – Mountain High," on which the Blossoms, rather than the Ikettes, provided backing vocals.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Love|first=Darlene|url=https://archive.org/details/mynameislovedarl00love/page/100/mode/2up?q=grazia|title=My Name Is Love|date=1998|publisher=William Morrow and Co.|isbn=978-0-688-15657-2|pages=100|via=Internet Archive}}</ref> Following the song's success in Europe, Ike & Tina Turner were invited to tour with the Rolling Stones during their British tour.<ref name=":3">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/tales-of-ike-and-tina-turner-237489/|title=Tales of Ike and Tina Turner|last=Fong-Torres|first=Ben|date=October 14, 1971|magazine=Rolling Stone}}</ref> The Ikettes on that tour were Rose Smith, Pat Arnold, and Ann Thomas. In late 1966, Shelly Clark was an Ikette until she was injured in a bus accident involving the revue in Wichita, Kansas.<ref name=":11">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iV4sGvUChJoC&q=shelly+clark+ike+tina&pg=PA275|title=Girl Groups: Fabulous Females Who Rocked the World|last=Clemente|first=John|year=2013|isbn=978-1-4772-7633-4|pages=267-275|publisher=AuthorHouse |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|date=December 29, 1966|title=Ike Turner Revue Injured In Kansas Bus Crash|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2LgDAAAAMBAJ&q=ike+tina+jet+1966&pg=PA59|journal=Jet|volume=31|issue=12|pages=59}}</ref> During this period, the Ikettes' lineup shifted frequently, with members including Pat Powdrill, Jean Brown, Paulette Parker, and Juanita Hixson in 1967.

In 1968, the single "So Fine," released on Pompeii Records and credited to Ike & Tina Turner & the Ikettes, reached No. 50 on the R&B chart.<ref name=":5" /> A new lineup featuring Edna Richardson, Claudia Lennear, and Ester Jones emerged that year.<ref>{{Citation|last=Bernholm|first=Jonas|title=Los Angeles|date=July 26, 2019|url=https://pressbooks.library.yorku.ca/soulmusicodyssey/chapter/los-angeles/|work=Soul Music Odyssey USA 1968|publisher=York University Libraries|language=en-ca|access-date=February 16, 2021}}</ref> Subsequent releases on Minit Records and its parent label Liberty Records in 1969–1970 included covers such as "Come Together" by the Beatles and "I Want to Take You Higher" by Sly & the Family Stone. The group continued touring the country, including the Rolling Stones' American tour in 1969.<ref name=":3" /> The Ikettes on that tour were Pat Powdrill, Ester Jones, Claudia Lennear. The Ikettes gained further exposure on television appearances on programs such as ''Playboy After Dark'', ''The Ed Sullivan Show'', ''The Andy Williams Show,'' and ''The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson''.

In 1971, Liberty Records was absorbed into United Artists Records, and the Ikettes released their first single for the label,"Got What It Takes (To Get What I Want)."<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=January 23, 1971|title=UA Corp Absorbs Lines; UA Records Sole Disk Co.|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/70s/1971/Billboard%201971-01-23.pdf|magazine=Billboard|pages=3}}</ref> Their final known single, "Two Timin', Double Dealin'" followed in 1972. That year, the Ikettes appeared on ''Soul Train'' in April 1972 and also provided backing vocals on Gayle McCormick's album ''Flesh & Blood'' (1972).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Gayle-McCormick-Flesh-Blood/release/4586252|title=Gayle McCormick – Flesh & Blood|website=Discogs|year=1972 }}</ref> In October, Tina Turner and the Ikettes performed at the Star-Spangled Women for McGovern–Shriver concert at Madison Square Garden.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Beckman|first=Don|date=October 29, 1972|title=Music: Rally for McGovern|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/10/29/archives/music-rally-for-mcgovern-women-stars-turn-out-at-the-garden-in.html|access-date=March 31, 2021|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> [[File:Tina Turner 2311720045.jpg|thumb|Tina Turner and the Ikettes (Ester Jones, Gail Stevens, and Edna LeJeune Richardson) performing in Hamburg, 1972]]Lineup changes continued into 1973, including the temporary departure of Ester Jones. Despite frequent turnover, Jones—nicknamed "Motha" Ikette—was the group's longest-serving member and played a key role as rehearsal leader and choreographer.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal|last=Sabol|first=Blair|date=May 1975|title=I Was an lkette for a Night|url=https://classic.esquire.com/article/1975/5/1/i-was-an-lkette-for-a-night|journal=Esquire}}</ref> That year, various lineups appeared on television and international programs, including ''The Midnight Special'' and ''Hits à Gogo''. Members Linda Sims and Debbie Wilson, along with Tina Turner, also contributed backing vocals to Frank Zappa's albums ''Over-Nite Sensation'' (1973) and ''Apostrophe (')'' (1974), recorded at the Turners' Bolic Sound studio in Inglewood.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Over-Nite Sensation|url=http://www.donlope.net/fz/lyrics/Over-Nite_Sensation.html|access-date=December 15, 2020|website=www.donlope.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Apostrophe (')|url=http://www.donlope.net/fz/lyrics/Apostrophe_(%27).html|access-date=December 15, 2020|website=www.donlope.net}}</ref>

The Ikettes became known for their tightly synchronized choreography and distinctive stage style. Tina Turner emphasized their visual presentation, stating in ''Esquire'': "They represent me, and in my act they gotta look outta sight at all times. There's simply no room for sloppiness and unprofessionalism."<ref name=":2" />

The Ikettes’ final album, ''(G)Old & New'', was released in 1974.<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=January 26, 1974|title=Billboard Recommended LP's|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/70s/1974/Billboard%201974-01-26.pdf|magazine=Billboard|pages=68}}</ref>That year, Edna Richardson, Stonye Figueroa, and Linda Sims appeared on ''Don Kirshner's Rock Concert''. They were soon replaced by Ester Jones, Yolanda Goodwin, and Marcy Thomas, who comprised the group's primary lineup for much of 1974.<ref name=":2" /> By 1975, a lineup featuring Edna Richardson, Yolanda Goodwin, and Ester Jones was in place, and they continued performing until the Ike & Tina Turner Revue disbanded in 1976.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite book|title=I, Tina|last=Tina Turner|first=Kurt Loder|publisher=HarperCollins|year=1986|isbn=0380700972|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/itinamylifestory00turn}}</ref>

In 1988, Ike Turner attempted an ill-fated return to the stage with Marcy Thomas, Bonnie Johnson, and Jeanette Bazzell as his Ikettes.<ref name=":8">{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-10-10-ca-2727-story.html|title=Ike Turner Doesn't Quite Get It Turned Around|last=Willam|first=Chris|date=October 10, 1988|work=The Los Angeles Times}}</ref> He was arrested on drug charges the following year. After serving 18-months in prison he managed to rehabilitate his cocaine addiction and he revived his career in the 1990s. Turner formed new sets of Ikettes, which included Jeanette Bazzell, Nina Hill, Randi Love, a.k.a. Michelle Love, Stonye Figueroa, Vera Hamilton, and Audrey Madison.<ref name=":10">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/08/26/arts/turner-revue-is-back-minus-tina.html|title=Turner Revue Is Back (Minus Tina)|last=Pareles|first=Jon|date=August 26, 1996|work=The New York Times|access-date=December 5, 2019|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

== Post-Ikette careers ==

* '''Jo Armstead''' – Pursued a solo career before forming the songwriting/production team Ashford, Simpson & Armstead with Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2006-06-28 |title=Awards & Achievements |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-yazoo-herald-awards-achievements/196924449/ |access-date=2026-05-05 |work=The Yazoo Herald |pages=9}}</ref> * '''P. P. Arnold''' – Left after the 1966 UK tour with the Rolling Stones; achieved solo success in the UK with hits including "The First Cut Is The Deepest" and "Angel of the Morning."<ref>{{Cite news |date=1969-10-16 |title=P. P. Arnold—On Her Way Back Into the Charts |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/runcorn-weekly-news-p-p-arnoldon-her/196924914/ |access-date=2026-05-05 |work=Runcorn Weekly News |pages=7}}</ref> * '''Jeanette Bazzell''' '''(Turner)''' – Married to Ike Turner from 1995 to 2000. Continued performing and later worked as a real estate broker.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.palmspringslife.com/jeanette-bazzell-turner/|title=Talking Turner|last=Archer|first=Greg|date=June 10, 2019|website=Palm Springs Life}}</ref> * '''Bonnie Bramlett''' – Co-founded the duo Delaney & Bonnie (1967–1972), known for "Never Ending Song of Love" and "Only You Know and I Know."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://people.com/archive/a-70s-burnout-lights-up-roseanne-vol-37-no-14/|title=A '70s Burnout Lights Up Roseanne|last=Dougherty|first=Steve|date=April 13, 1992|website=People.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.musicvf.com/Delaney,+Bonnie+%2526+Friends.art|title=Delaney, Bonnie & Friends Songs ••• Top Songs / Chart Singles Discography|website=Music VF, US & UK hits charts}}</ref> * '''Shelly Clark''' – Founded member of Honey Cone, which had a No. 1 hit with "Want Ads" (1971).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-01-30 |title=The Number Ones: The Honey Cone's "Want Ads" |url=https://stereogum.com/2030175/the-number-ones-the-honey-cones-want-ads/columns/the-number-ones/ |access-date=2026-05-05 |website=stereogum.com |language=en}}</ref> She is married to Earth, Wind & Fire bassist Verdine White.<ref name=":11" /> * '''Venetta Fields''' – Founded the Mirettes, and became a prominent backing vocalist as a member of the Blackberries, working withHumble Pie, Pink Floyd, Steely Dan, Barbra Streisand, the Rolling Stones, and appearing in the film ''A Star Is Born'' (1976); later continued her career in Australia.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Groves |first=Don |date=1980-09-21 |title=Venetta's Sung with Los of Stars |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sydney-morning-herald-venettas-sung/196934671/ |access-date=2026-05-05 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |pages=97}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Burt |first=Julian |date=1985-01-22 |title=Aiming to be Seen and Heard |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-age-aiming-to-be-seen-and-heard/196936094/ |access-date=2026-05-05 |work=The Age |pages=14}}</ref> * '''Ester Jones''' – Later performed with the band Formula 5; died in 2006 at age 61.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mrt.com/news/article/Midlander-backup-singer-for-Ike-Tina-Turner-7525396.php|title=Midlander, backup singer for Ike, Tina Turner, dies|last=Campbell|first=Ruth|date=December 11, 2006|website=Midland Reporter-Telegram}}</ref> * '''Claudia Lennear''' – Released the album ''Phew!'' (1973), worked with Joe Cocker and Humble Pie, and later became a teacher; featured in ''20 Feet from Stardom'' (2013).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://whatsuprhodeisland.com/2019/04/whatsup-interview-claudia-lennear-2019-ri-music-hall-of-fame-inductee/|title=WhatsUp Interview: Claudia Lennear, 2019 RI Music Hall of Fame Inductee|last=Abrams|first=Ken|date=April 17, 2019|website=What's Up Rhode Island|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.providencejournal.com/article/20140622/ENTERTAINMENT/306229964|title=From Hope High to '20 Feet From Stardom' was an amazing journey|last=Smith|first=Andy|date=June 22, 2014|website=Providence Journal|language=en}}</ref> * '''Audrey Madison''' '''(Turner)''' – Married to Ike Turner from 2006 to 2007. Appeared on ''The X Factor'' (2011) and published the memoir ''Love Had Everything to Do with It'' (2016).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nypost.com/2011/10/05/famous-x/|title=Famous 'X'|last=Starr|first=Michael|date=October 5, 2011|website=New York Post}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.afro.com/ike-turners-widow-pens-memoir-on-singers-violent-bipolar-condition/#|title=Ike Turner's Widow Pens Memoir on Singer's Violent Bipolar Condition|last=Cornish|first=Stephanie|date=June 18, 2016|website=The Afro}}</ref> * '''Robbie Montgomery''' – Sang backing vocals for several artists such as Dr. John, Debbie Reynolds, Joe Cocker, and Stevie Wonder before becoming a restaurateur and star of ''Welcome to Sweetie Pie's''; released an EP in 2018.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.stlmag.com/A-Conversation-With-Robbie-Montgomery/|title=A Conversation With Robbie Montgomery|last=Jeannette|first=Cooperman|date=February 26, 2010|website=St. Louis Mag}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.riverfronttimes.com/stlouis/ms-robbie-montgomery-just-released-her-first-new-music-in-40-years/Content?oid=25578478|title=Ms. Robbie Montgomery Just Released Her First New Music in 40 Years|last=Kasten|first=Roy|date=October 10, 2018|website=Riverfront Times}}</ref> * '''Paulette Parker (Maxayn Lewis)''' – Formed the band Maxayn and toured with artists such as Donna Summer and Rufus.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.popmatters.com/maxayn-lewis-interview-2540027973.html|title=The Message Never Gets Old: Maxayn Lewis and the Maxayn Band|last=Donovan|first=Charles|date=February 28, 2018|website=Pop Matters}}</ref> * '''Edna Richardson (née Woods)''' – Appeared in ''Truck Turner'' (1974) and later worked as a dancer for Tina Turner during her solo career under the name LeJeune Richardson.<ref name="Nevill">Nevill, Brian. [http://spectropop.com/PatPowdrill/index.htm "Looking for Pat Powdrill,"] ''SpectroPop'' (2006).</ref> * '''Janice Singleton (Hughes)''' – Formed a trio called the Secrets; later toured and recorded with artists including Joe Cocker, Boz Scaggs, Bobby Womack, and Dionne Warwick.<ref name="Virginian" /> * '''Marcy Thomas (Lyrica Garrett)''' – Continued performing and later appeared on ''Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood'' with her daughter Lyrica Anderson.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vh1.com/news/4fivh1/lyrica-garrett-been-that-chick-meet-the-love-hip-hop-mom-who-got-her-start-with-ike-and-tina|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816162348/https://www.vh1.com/news/4fivh1/lyrica-garrett-been-that-chick-meet-the-love-hip-hop-mom-who-got-her-start-with-ike-and-tina|url-status=live|archive-date=August 16, 2022|title=Lyrica Garrett Been That Chick! Meet The Love & Hip Hop Mom Who Got Her Start With Ike and Tina|last=Michel|first=Sarah|date=September 2, 2016|website=VH1}}</ref> * '''Margaret "Ann" Thomas''' – Had a daughter with Ike Turner in 1969.<ref name=":9">{{Cite book|title=Takin' Back My Name: The Confessions of Ike Turner|url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781852278502|url-access=registration|last=Turner|first=Ike|publisher=Virgin Books Limited|year=1999|isbn=978-1-85227-850-2}}</ref> Returned to the Ike & Tina Turner Revue in a wardrobe role after leaving as a performer.{{Sfn|Turner|Loder|1986|p=168}} She was later married to Turner from 1981 to 1990.

==Members==

=== 1960s–1970s === {{Div col}} *Shirley Alexander, a.k.a. Shirley Butler (1969–70) *Jo Armstead (1960–c.1962)<ref name="Nevill" /> *P.P. Arnold (1965–1966)<ref name="Nevill" /> * Mary Bennett (April–July 1978) *Bonnie Bramlett (c. 1963–1964),<ref name=":7" /> first white member<ref name=":6">Eve Zibart, "Bonnie Bramlett Belts Them Out at Cellar Door", ''The Washington Post'', May 11, 1978, C7.</ref> * Mary "Jean Brown" Standard (1967–1968, 1970–1972; died January 23, 2023)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Newcomer Family Obituaries - Mary Jean Brown Standard 1946 - 2023 |url=https://www.newcomerkentuckiana.com/Obituary/259686/Mary-Jean-Standard/Louisville-KY |access-date=February 19, 2023 |website=www.newcomerkentuckiana.com}}</ref> * Alesia "Sugar" Butler (1973) * Judy Cheeks (1975) * Shelly Clark (1966),<ref name="Nevill" /> later a member of Honey Cone * Venetta Fields (c. 1962–1965) * Stonye Figueroa, a.k.a. Barbara Cook (1969–70; 1974)<ref name="ReferenceA">''The Ed Sullivan Show'', 1970 and Don Kristner's Rock Concert, 1974; also ''20 Feet From Stardom''</ref> * Yolanda Goodwin (1974–1976) * Martha Graham (c. 1968)<ref name="Nevill" /> * Vera Hamilton<ref name="Nevill" /> (1970–1971; died August 31, 2013) * Eloise Hester a.k.a. Eloise Carter (1960–1962)<ref name="Nevill" /> * Juanita Hixson (1964–?) * Frances Hodges (1960) * Sandra Harding (1960) * Brenda Holloway<ref name="Nevill" /> * Patrice Holloway<ref name="Nevill" /> * Delores "Dee Dee" Johnson (c. 1961–1962)<ref name="Nevill" /> *Elyana Armstrong (1962) * Johnnie B. Johnson-Day (early 1960s) * Ester Jones, a.k.a. Esther Burton & Ester Bills<ref name="SLP">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/?clipping_id=31511013&fcfToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJmcmVlLXZpZXctaWQiOjE0MDE0NDc5NywiaWF0IjoxNTc4MjU3MjcyLCJleHAiOjE1NzgzNDM2NzJ9.E1JDPxZ_oSN07s6sv-mKxRKkmYfJotOZA2GqANJvXOM|title=Spotlights Turn On Her|date=June 2, 1969|work=St. Louis Post-Dispatch|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref name="Nevill" /> (1968–1976; died in 2006) "longest-lasting Ikette"<ref name=":2" /> * Claudia Lennear, a.k.a. Joy Lennear<ref name="SLP" /><ref name="Nevill" /> (1968–1970) * Charlotte Lewis<ref name="Nevill" /> * Kathi McDonald (c. 1969) * Robbie Montgomery (1960–1965) * Paulette Parker, a.k.a. Maxayn Lewis (c. 1966–1968)<ref name="Nevill" /> * Pat Powdrill (c. 1967– 1970; died April 11, 1996)<ref name="Nevill" /> * Vermettya Royster<ref name="Nevill" /> * Edna "LeJeune" Richardson, a.k.a. Edna Woods<ref name="SLP" /> (1968–1969; 1971–1976) * Diane Rutherford-Swann (c. 1964–1966) * Gloria Scott (c. 1965)<ref>Wikane, Christian John. [http://www.popmatters.com/post/71611-her-best-is-yet-to-come-the-return-of-gloria-scott/ "Her Best Is Yet to Come: The Return of Gloria Scott,"] ''PopMatters'' (March 18, 2009).</ref> * Linda Shuford-Williams, a.k.a. Linda Jones (1972–1974) * Linda Sims<ref name="Nevill" /><ref>Seen on the cover of ''Ikettes (G)old and New'' album (right); ''20 Feet from Stardom''</ref> * Janice Singleton (1965)<ref name="Virginian">Pryweller, Joseph. [https://www.pilotonline.com/1990/12/21/moving-in-different-directions/ "MOVING IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS"] ''The Virginian-Pilot'' (December 21, 1990).</ref> * Jessie Smith (c. 1961–1965) * Maxine Smith (1965)<ref name="Nevill" /> * Rose Smith (c. 1966)<ref name="Nevill" /> * Jackie Stanton * Gail Stevens (1972) * The Stovall Sisters (1967) * (Margaret) Ann Thomas (1966–1968), "non-singing Ikette"<ref name="Nevill" /> * Marcy Thomas, a.k.a. Lyrica Garrett (1974–1975) * Marquentta Tinsley (c. 1964–?) * Adrienne Williams<ref name="Nevill" /> * Carlena "Flora" Williams (c. 1963–64) * Debbie Wilson<ref name="Nevill" /><ref>Seen on the cover of ''Ikettes (G)old and New'' album (center); ''20 Feet from Stardom''</ref> {{div col end}}

=== 1980s–2000s === * Jeanette Bazzell Turner (1988–2000)<ref name=":10" /> * Bonnie Johnson (1988)<ref name=":8" /> * Marcy Thomas, a.k.a. Lyrica Garrett (1988)<ref name=":8" /> * Vera Hamilton (mid-1990s) * Stonye Figueroa, a.k.a. Barbara Cook (1998) * Randi Love, a.k.a. Michelle Love (mid 1990s–early 2000s)<ref name=":10" /><ref>''The Boston Herald'' (August 27, 1996), p. 3</ref> * Audrey Madison Turner (1993–early 2000s)

==Discography== {{See also|Ike & Tina Turner discography|List of songs written by Ike Turner}}

=== Albums === {| class="wikitable" ! scope="col" rowspan="2" |Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2" |Album details ! scope="col" colspan="2" |Peak chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2" |Notes |- ! scope="col" |US Top 200 ! scope="col" |US R&B |- |''Fine Fine Fine'' | * Released: September 1965 * Label: Stateside Records * Catalog Number: SE 1033 |align="center"|— |align="center"|— | * EP released in the UK |- |''Soul The Hits'' | * Released: 1966 * Label: Modern Records * Catalog Number: MST 102 |align="center"|— |align="center"|— | * Reissued on CD in 2007 |- |''In Person'' | * Released: June 1969 * Label: Minit Records * Catalog Number: LP 24018 |align="center"|142 |align="center"|19 | * Credited to Ike & Tina Turner and The Ikettes * Recorded at Basin Street West in San Francisco |- |''Come Together'' | * Released: May 1970 * Label: Liberty Records * Catalog Number: LST-7637 |align="center"|130 |align="center"|13 | * Credited to Ike & Tina Turner and The Ikettes |- |''(G)Old & New'' | * Released: 1974 * Label: United Artists Records * Catalog Number: UA-LA190-F |align="center"|— |align="center"|— | |- |colspan="9" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%;" |"—" denotes a recording that did not chart. |}

=== Compilations ===

* 1987: ''Fine Fine Fine'' (Kent Records) *2007: ''Can't Sit Down... 'Cos It Feels So Good: The Complete Modern Recordings'' (Kent Records)

=== Singles === The Ikettes had 3 songs chart on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and 3 songs on the ''Billboard'' Hot R&B which include 1 top 10 hit. They have also charted on records with Ike & Tina Turner. {| class="wikitable" ! rowspan="2" scope="col" |Single (A-side, B-side) ! scope="col" rowspan="2" |Release date ! scope="col" rowspan="2" |Label & Cat No. ! scope="col" colspan="2" |Peak positions ! rowspan="2" |Album ! scope="col" rowspan="2" |Notes |- ! scope="col" |US Hot 100 <ref name=":5" /> ! scope="col" |US R&B <ref name=":5" /> |- |"I'm Blue (The Gong-Gong Song)" b/w "Find My Baby" |Nov 1961<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=November 20, 1961 |title=Reviews of New Singles |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/60s/1961/Billboard%201961-11-20.pdf |magazine=Billboard |pages=45}}</ref> |Atco – 45-6212 |align="center"|19 |align="center"|3 | rowspan="9" |Non-album tracks | *No. 63 on ''Billboard'''s list of 100 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time |- |"Troubles on My Mind" b/w "Come On and Truck" |Apr 1962<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=April 21, 1961 |title=Spotlight Singles of the Week |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LhYEAAAAMBAJ&dq=billboard+ikettes+1962&pg=PA29 |magazine=Billboard |pages=29}}</ref> |Atco – 45-6223 |align="center"|— |align="center"|— | |- |"Heavenly Love" b/w "Zizzy Zee Zum Zum" |Jul 1962<ref>{{Cite journal |date=July 21, 1962 |title=Record Reviews: Pick of the Week |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/60s/1962/CB-1962-07-21.pdf |journal=Cash Box |pages=10}}</ref> |Atco – 45-6232 |align="center"|— |align="center"|— | |- |"I Had a Dream the Other Night" b/w "I Do Love You" |Nov 1962 |Atco – 45-6243 |align="center"|— |align="center"|— | |- |"Crazy in Love" b/w Pee Wee |Feb 1963 |Teena – 1701 |align="center"|— |align="center"|— | * Credited as Robbie Montgomery and the Ikettes |- |"No Bail in This Jail (Prisoner In Love)" b/w "Those Words" |Apr 1963 |Teena – 1702 |align="center"|126*<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=May 11, 1963|title=Bubbling Under The Hot 100|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/60s/1963/Billboard%201963-05-11.pdf|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> |align="center"|— | * Teena was Ike Turner's label named after Tina Turner |- |"You're Still My Baby" b/w "I'm Leaving You" |Apr 1963 |Sony – 112 |align="center"|— |align="center"|— | * Credited to Venetta Fields; Sony was Ike Turner's label |- |"Blue with a Broken Heart" b/w "Mind In A Whirl" |ca. 1963 |Sonja – 2003 |align="center"|— |align="center"|— | * Credited to Flora Williams; Sonja was Ike Turner's label |- |"Here's Your Heart" "Here's Your Heart (Instrumental)" |Jan 1964 |Innis – 3000 | align="center" |— | align="center" |— | * Innis was Ike Turner's label |- |"Camel Walk" b/w "Nobody Loves Me" |Dec 1964 |Modern – 1003 | align="center" |107*<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=February 13, 1965|title=Bubbling Under The Hot 100|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/60s/1965/Billboard%201965-02-13.pdf|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> | align="center" |— | rowspan="6" |''Soul The Hits'' | |- |"Peaches 'N' Cream" b/w "The Biggest Players" |Feb 1965 |Modern – 45x1005 |align="center"|36 |align="center"|28 | |- |"(He's Gonna Be) Fine, Fine, Fine" b/w "How Come" |May 1965 |Modern – 45x1008 |align="center"|125*<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=June 5, 1965|title=Bubbling Under The Hot 100|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/60s/1965/Billboard%201965-06-05.pdf|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> |align="center"|— | |- |"I'm So Thankful" b/w "Don't Feel Sorry for Me" |Jul 1965 |Modern – 45x1011 |align="center"|74 |align="center"|12 | |- |"(Never More) Lonely for You" b/w "Sally Go Round the Roses" |Jan 1966 |Modern – 45xM 1015 |align="center"|122*<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=February 5, 1966|title=Bubbling Under The Hot 100|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/60s/1966/Billboard%201966-02-05.pdf|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> |align="center"|— | |- |"Not That I Recall" b/w "Da Doo Ron Ron" |Jul 1966 |Modern – 45xM 1024 |align="center"|— |align="center"|— | |- |"What'cha Gonna Do (When I Leave You)" b/w "Down, Down" |Aug 1966 |Phi-Dan – 5009 |align="center"|— |align="center"|— |Non-album tracks | * Phi-Dan was a subsidiary label of Phil Spector Productions *Pat Arnold (P.P. Arnold) sang lead *Lead vocals by Rose Smith on "Down, Down" |- |"So Fine" b/w "So Blue Over You" |Mar 1968 |Pompeii – 45-6667 |align="center"|117*<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=April 20, 1968|title=Bubbling Under The Hot 100|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/60s/1968/Billboard%201968-04-20.pdf|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> |align="center"|50 |''So Fine'' | * "So Fine" is credited to Ike & Tina Turner and The Ikettes *B-side is on the album ''Cussin', Cryin' & Carryin' On'' |- |"Make 'Em Wait" b/w "Beauty Is Just Skin Deep" |Nov 1968 |Pompeii – 45-66683 |align="center"|— |align="center"|— |''Cussin', Cryin' & Carryin' On'' | * ''Cussin', Cryin' & Carryin' On'' is an Ike & Tina Turner album *''Billboard'' Review (November 16, 1968)<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=November 16, 1968|title=Special Merit Spotlight|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/60s/1968/Billboard%201968-11-16.pdf|magazine=Billboard|pages=74}}</ref> |- |"Come Together" b/w "Honky Tonk Women" |Jan 1970 |Minit – 32087 |align="center"|57 |align="center"|21 | rowspan="2" |''Come Together'' | * Credited to Ike & Tina Turner and The Ikettes |- |"I Want to Take You Higher" b/w "Contact High" |May 1970 |Liberty – 56177 |align="center"|34 |align="center"|25 | * Credited to Ike & Tina Turner and The Ikettes |- |"Got What It Takes (To Get What I Want)" b/w "If You Take A Close Look" |Dec 1971 |United Artists – 50866 |align="center"|— |align="center"|— | rowspan="2" |Non-album tracks | |- |"I'm Just Not Ready for Love" b/w "Two Timin' Double Dealin'" |Dec 1972 |United Artists – 51103 |align="center"|— |align="center"|— | |- | colspan="9" style="text-align:center; font-size:90%;" |*single did not chart on the main chart but was on the Bubbling Under Top LP's. "—" denotes a recording that did not chart. |}

== Filmography/Selected TV appearances == <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1877240/|title=The Ikettes|website=IMDb}}</ref> {| class="wikitable sortable" !Title !Airdate/Year !Ikettes |- |''Shindig!'' |April 21, 1965 |Robbie Montgomery, Venetta Fields, Jessie Smith |- |''Hollywood A Go-Go'' |April 24, 1965 |Robbie Montgomery, Venetta Fields, Jessie Smith |- |''American Bandstand'' |May 1, 1965 |Robbie Montgomery, Venetta Fields, Jessie Smith |- |''The Big T.N.T. Show'' |1966 (filmed November 29, 1965) |Pat Arnold (P.P. Arnold), Gloria Scott, and Maxine Smith |- |''Studio Uno'' |March 26, 1966 |Robbie Montgomery, Venetta Fields, Jessie Smith |- |''Goodbye Again'' |August 18, 1968 (filmed Apr 1968) |Pat Powdrill, Ann Thomas, Jean Brown, Paulette Parker (Maxayn Lewis) |- |''The Hollywood Palace'' |December 7, 1968 |Ester Jones, Edna Richardson, Claudia Lennear |- |''Andy's Love Concert'' |Marc. 19, 1969 |Ester Jones, Edna Richardson, Claudia Lennear |- |''The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour'' |April 13, 1969 |Ester Jones, Edna Richardson, Claudia Lennear |- |''It's Your Thing'' |1970 |Ester Jones, Jean Brown, Vera Hamilton |- |''Playboy After Dark'' |February 3, 1970 (filmed December 3, 1969) |Pat Powdrill, Ester Jones, Claudia Lennear |- |''The Ed Sullivan Show'' |Jan 11. 1970 |Claudia Lennear, Ester Jones, Stonye Figueroa |- |''The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson'' |July 9, 1970 |Ester Jones, Vera Hamilton, Jean Brown |- |''Johnny Cash Presents the Everly Brothers'' |August 5, 1970 |Ester Jones, Jean Brown, unknown |- |''The Andy Williams Show'' |September 26, 1970 |Ester Jones, Vera Hamilton, Jean Brown |- |''The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson'' |November 25, 1970 |Ester Jones, Vera Hamilton, Jean Brown |- |''Taking Off'' |1971 |Ester Jones, Vera Hamilton, Jean Brown |- |''Soul to Soul'' |1971 |Ester Jones, Vera Hamilton, Jean Brown |- |''Beat-Club'' |February 27, 1971 |Ester Jones, Vera Hamilton, Jean Brown |- |''The Pearl Bailey Show'' |March 27, 1971 |Ester Jones, Vera Hamilton, Jean Brown |- |''Good Vibrations from Central Park'' |Aug, 19, 1971 |Ester Jones, Jean Brown, Edna Richardson |- |''Rollin' on the River'' |February 10, 1972<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 10, 1972 |title=Today's TV Programs: Highlights |pages=27 |work=Daily News}}</ref> |Ester Jones, Jean Brown, Edna Richardson |- |''Soul Train'' |April 22, 1972 |Ester Jones, Jean Brown, Edna Richardson |- |''The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson'' |May 4, 1972<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 4, 1972 |title=Thursday's TV Programs |pages=20 Part lV |work=The Los Angeles Times}}</ref> |Ester Jones, Jean Brown, Edna Richardson |- |''The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson'' |October 4, 1972 |Ester Jones, Gail Stevens, Edna Richardson |- |''The Dick Cavett Show'' |October 10, 1972 |Ester Jones, Gail Stevens, Edna Richardson |- |''Top à Régine'' |November 11, 1972 |Ester Jones, Gail Stevens, Edna Richardson |- |''The Midnight Special'' |February 3, 1973 |Linda Sims, Linda Shuford-Williams, Alesia Butler |- |''The Burns and Schreiber Comedy Hour'' |June 22, 1973 |Alesia Butler, unknown, unknown |- |''In Concert'' |August 3, 1973 |Linda Sims, Linda Shuford-Williams, Debbie Wilson |- |''The Midnight Special'' |November 10, 1973 |Edna Richardson, Linda Sims, Charlotte Lewis |- |''In Concert'' |December 14, 1973<ref>{{Cite journal|date=December 20, 1973|title=Television|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZbEDAAAAMBAJ&q=December+14%2C+1973+ike+tina+in+concert&pg=PA98|journal=Jet|pages=98}}</ref> |Linda Sims, Charlotte Lewis, Debbie Wilson |- |''Hits à Gogo'' |December 14, 1973 |Linda Sims, Charlotte Lewis, Debbie Wilson |- |''The Midnight Special'' |February 9, 1974 |Linda Sims, Charlotte Lewis, Debbie Wilson |- |''Don Kirshner's Rock Concert'' |March 16, 1974 |Linda Sims, Stonye Figueroa, Edna Richardson |- |''Musikladen'' |November 14, 1974 |Ester Jones, Marcy Thomas (Lyrica Garrett), Yolanda Goodwin |- |''Soul Train'' |January 18, 1975 |Ester Jones, Marcy Thomas (Lyrica Garrett), Yolanda Goodwin |- |''The Midnight Special'' |March 8, 1975 |Ester Jones, Marcy Thomas (Lyrica Garrett), Edna Richardson |- |''Cher'' |April 27, 1975 |Ester Jones, Edna Richardson, Yolanda Goodwin |- |''Cher'' |October 12, 1975 |Ester Jones, Edna Richardson, Yolanda Goodwin |- |''Van Dyke and Company'' |October 30, 1975 |Ester Jones, Marcy Thomas (Lyrica Garrett), Edna Richardson |- |''Poiret est à vous'' |1975 |Ester Jones, Edna Richardson, Judy Cheeks |- |''Don Kirshner's Rock Concert'' |March 12, 1976 |Ester Jones, Edna Richardson, Yolanda Goodwin |- |''Ike & Tina on the Road: 1971–72'' |2012 |Ester Jones, Jean Brown, Edna Richardson |}

== Bibliography ==

* {{Cite book |last=Turner |first=Tina |url=http://archive.org/details/itinamylifestory00turn |title=I, Tina: My Life Story |last2=Loder |first2=Kurt |publisher=Avon Books |year=1986 |isbn=978-0-380-70097-4}}

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== * {{AllMusic|id=mn0000085095}} * {{IMDb name|nm1877240}} * [http://doowopheaven.blogspot.de/2014/05/the-ikettes-2-aka-mirettes.html Ikettes/Mirettes Biography and Discography] on Doo Wop Heaven {{The Ikettes}}{{Ike & Tina Turner}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ikettes, The}} Category:American girl groups Category:Ike & Tina Turner members Category:American soul musical groups Category:Musical groups from St. Louis Category:Atco Records artists Category:Sonja Records artists Category:Phi-Dan Records artists Category:Modern Records artists Category:Liberty Records artists Category:Stateside Records artists Category:United Artists Records artists Category:American rhythm and blues musical groups Category:Musical groups established in 1960 Category:Musical groups disestablished in 1976 Category:African-American girl groups Category:Musical backing groups Category:American organizations established in 1960 Category:1976 disestablishments in the United States