The Ikettes | |
|---|---|
 The Ikettes in 1968. Left to right: Margaret Ann Thomas, Maxayn Lewis, Pat Powdrill, Mary Jean Brown. | |
| Background information | |
| Genres | R&B, soul, pop |
| Occupation(s) | Backing vocalists, girl group |
| Years active | 1960–1976; 1988–2000s |
| Labels | |
| 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) Esther 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, originally The Artettes, were a trio (sometimes quartet) of female backing vocalists for the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. Despite their origins, the Ikettes became successful artists in their own right. In the 1960s they had hits 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.[1]
The group started as "The Artettes", the backing group of Art Lassiter. The first official incarnation of The Ikettes was composed of Delores Johnson, Eloise Hester and Josie Jo Armstead. The most popular line-up consisted of Robbie Montgomery, Venetta Fields, and Jessie Smith. It was this trio that later morphed into The Mirettes.
As the 1960s progressed, the Ikettes became known for their sexy onstage appearance; minidresses, long hair and high-energy dance routines that mirrored their mentor Tina Turner. "They represent me, and in my act they gotta look outta sight at all times. There's simply no room for sloppiness and unprofessionalism," Tina told Esquire.[2] She added:
I also believe in the Ikette visual. I don't see it as cheap or vulgar. Nor do I see myself as that. Sex is not cheap or vulgar. And I always loved the look of long straight hair. Ike says he patterned me after Sheena of the jungle. She was white, you know. But I still love the look and action of long hair movin' and the short skirts shimmying. I want action on that stage at all times.[2]
- ^ "100 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time: Critics' Picks". Billboard. July 10, 2017.
- ^ a b Sabol, Blair (May 1975). "I Was an lkette for a Night". Esquire.