The Mirettes

Last updated
The Mirettes
Origin Los Angeles, California, U.S.
GenresSoul, R&B
Occupation(s) girl group
Years active1966–1971
Labels
Past members Robbie Montgomery
Venetta Fields
Jessie Smith
Pat Powdrill

The Mirettes were a female vocal trio composed of former members of the Ikettes in the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. [1]

Contents

History

Robbie Montgomery, Venetta Fields and Jessie Smith were the first official incarnation of the Ikettes, a backing trio for Ike & Tina Turner. [1] In 1965, the Ikettes had a top 40 pop hit with "Peaches 'N' Cream" and a top 20 R&B hit with "I'm So Thankful" on Modern Records. [2] As their popularity grew, Ike Turner sent a different set of Ikettes on the road with "The Dick Clark Caravan of Stars" and kept Montgomery, Smith, and Fields on tour with his revue which caused much annoyance to the trio. They also were not receiving the extra money from their hits, so they left the revue in late 1965. [1]

After trying unsuccessfully to continue using the name the Ikettes under management of Tina Turner's sister, Alline Bullock, they signed to Mirwood Records and changed their name to the Mirettes in 1966. [3] [1] After their two singles on the label did not chart, they signed to Revue Records where they had some success. Their first single, "In the Midnight Hour" reached No. 45 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 18 on the R&B chart. [4] [5] Their next two singles made little impression, as did a single on Minit Records in 1968 entitled "Help Wanted." In June 1968, they performed at the Soul-In show held by the Chicago chapter of the National Association of Television and Radio Announcers (NATRA). [6]

A transfer to Uni Records in 1969 was more fruitful for them, but the songs were not big hits. [7] That same year they sang on The Lost Man soundtrack produced by Quincy Jones. [8] In 1970, they signed to the independent label, Zea Records, and released "Ain't My Stuff Good Enough". [9] [10] Venetta Fields left the group and was replaced by former Ikette Pat Powdrill before they broke up in 1971. [11]

Discography

Studio albums

TitleDetails
In The Midnight HourReleased: 1968

Label: Revue Records

Catalog Number: RS – 7205

WhirlpoolReleased: 1969

Label: Uni Records

Catalog Number: 73062

Vocal credits

Other appearances

Singles

Single (A-side, B-side)Release dateLabel & Cat #Peak chart
position		Album
US Hot
100
[2] 		US
R&B
[2]
"He's All Right With Me"

b/w "Your Kind Ain't No Good"

Apr 1966Mirwood – 5514——Non-album tracks
"Now That I Found You, Baby"

b/w "He's All Right With Me"

Mar 1967 [12] Mirwood – 5531——
"In The Midnight Hour"

b/w "To Love Somebody"

Nov 1967Revue – 110044518In The Midnight Hour
"Help Wanted"

b/w "John's Big Chance" by Huggy's Ork

May 1968 [13] Minit – 32045——Non-album track
"The Real Thing"

b/w "Take Me For A Little While"

May 1968 [14] Revue – 11017——In The Midnight Hour
"I'm A Whole New Thing"

b/w "First Love"

Nov 1968 [15] Revue – 11029——
"Stand By Your Man"

b/w "If Everybody'd Help Somebody"

Feb 1969Uni – 55110——Whirlpool
"Heart Full Of Gladness"

b/w "Ain't You Trying To Cross Over"

Apr 1969Uni – 55126——
"Whirlpool"

b/w "Ain't You Trying To Cross Over"

Jul 1969Uni – 55147——
"Sweet Soul Sister"

b/w "Rap, Run It Down"

Sep 1969Uni – 55161—— The Lost Man
"Ain't My Stuff Good Enough"

b/w "The Time And The Season"

1970Zea – ZEA 50002——Non-album tracks
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ike & Tina Turner</span> American musical duo

Ike & Tina Turner were an American musical duo consisting of husband and wife Ike Turner and Tina Turner. From 1960 to 1976, they performed live as the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, supported by Ike Turner's band the Kings of Rhythm and backing vocalists called the Ikettes. The Ike & Tina Turner Revue was regarded as "one of the most potent live acts on the R&B circuit."

Jimmy Thomas was an American soul singer and songwriter. He was best known as a vocalist for Ike Turner. Thomas joined Turner's Kings of Rhythm in 1958, and remained with the band when the Ike & Tina Turner Revue was formed in 1960. He released solo singles on Turner's labels Sue, Sputnik, and Sonja Records. After his departure from Turner, Thomas continued recording as a solo artist, eventually relocating to London. He formed his own label, Osceola Records, in 1979.

Kent Records was a Los Angeles–based record label, launched in 1958 by the Bihari brothers. It was subsidiary of Crown Records Corporation. Kent was a follow-up to Modern Records, which ceased operations in 1958. The label reissued Modern's singles, including recordings by B.B. King. By 1964, Kent had signed acts such as Ike & Tina Turner and released new material. Other acts signed to the label included Z.Z. Hill, Johnny Otis, and Lowell Fulsom. Modern Records was revived in 1964 with successful singles from the Ikettes.

Venetta Lee Fields is an American-born Australian singer and musical theater actress, and vocal coach.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Ikettes</span> American backing vocalists for the Ike & Tina Turner Revue

The Ikettes, originally The Artettes, were a trio 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 " and "Peaches 'N' Cream". In 2017, Billboard ranked "I'm Blue " No. 63 on its list of 100 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ike & Tina Turner discography</span> Cataloging of published recordings by Ike & Tina Turner

This article contains information about albums and singles released by the American musical duo Ike & Tina Turner.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'm Blue (The Gong-Gong Song)</span> 1961 single by The Ikettes

"I'm Blue " is a song written by Ike Turner and recorded by Ike & Tina Turner's backing trio The Ikettes in 1961. In 2017, Billboard ranked the song No. 63 on their list of 100 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time.

Robbie Montgomery is an American singer and restaurateur. She is noted for being one of the original Ikettes in the Ike & Tina Turner Revue in the 1960s. After her tenure as an Ikette, she was a member of the Mirettes, and then became a "Night Tripper" for Dr. John. In the 1970s, Montgomery was a backing vocalist for acts such as Stevie Wonder, Barbra Streisand, the Rolling Stones, and Joe Cocker. She later created the Sweetie Pie's franchise, and starred in the award-winning reality series Welcome to Sweetie Pie's.

<i>Ike & Tina Turner Revue Live</i> 1964 live album by Ike & Tina Turner

Ike & Tina Turner Revue Live is the first live album by Ike & Tina Turner released on Kent Records in 1964.

<i>Cussin, Cryin & Carryin On</i> 1969 studio album by Ike & Tina Turner

Cussin', Cryin' & Carryin'On is a studio album by R&B duo Ike & Tina Turner. It was released on Pompeii Records in 1969.

<i>The Bad Man: Rare & Unreissued Ike Turner Produced Recordings 1962–1965</i> 2004 compilation album by Ike Turner

The Bad Man: Rare & Unreissued Ike Turner Produced Recordings 1962–1965 is a collection of singles produced by musician Ike Turner. The album was released by Night Train International in 2004.

<i>Soul the Hits</i> 1966 studio album by The Ikettes

Soul The Hits is the debut album by American girl group the Ikettes, released on Modern Records in 1966.

<i>(G)Old & New</i> 1974 studio album by The Ikettes

(G)Old & New is a studio album by American girl group the Ikettes, released on United Artists in 1974. The Ikettes were backing vocalists for the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. (G)Old & New is their second and final studio album, containing new songs and different version of previously released tracks such as their hit "I'm Blue " which featured Tina Turner singing background vocals.

Innis Records was a record label founded by musician Ike Turner in 1964. The label released singles from members within the Ike & Tina Turner Revue such as the Ikettes, and other acts Turner was producing. Turner hired George Grenier to handle his business affairs. The label was acquired by Pompeii Music Corp. in 1968.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pat Powdrill</span> Musical artist

Pat Powdrill was an American soul singer and songwriter. Powdrill was best known for being a member of the Ikettes in the 1960s. She began her career as a solo artist recording for Reprise Records and Downey Records. She later performed as backing vocalist for various artists.

Carlena Williams was an American vocalist. Early in her career, she recorded under her name, Flora Williams, as an Ikette in the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. In the 1960s she released a few singles as Carlena Weaver. She later toured with rock group Pink Floyd as a backing vocalist. Williams sang with various artists, including The Carpenters, Bonnie Raitt, Van Morrison, Etta James, David Gilmour, and Humble Pie. Williams was a member of Sunshine, Donna Summer's backing vocal group in the 1970s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jessie Smith (singer)</span> American R&B vocalist (1941–2021)

Jessie Smith was an American R&B vocalist. She began her career singing with musician Benny Sharp, recording as Little Miss Jessie, and became best known as one of the original Ikettes in the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. She later sang backing vocals for various artists, including Dr. John, Paul Williams, Al Kooper, José Feliciano, and Leon Ware.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peaches 'N' Cream (The Ikettes song)</span> 1965 single by The Ikettes

"Peaches 'N' Cream" is a song written by Steve Venet and Tommy Boyce, originally released by The Ikettes on Modern Records in 1965. It became the first Billboard Top 40 single for The Ikettes since their debut "I'm Blue " in 1961.

Ruby Alline Bullock was an American songwriter. She was the older full sister of singer Tina Turner. Bullock once served as the manager of the girl group the Ikettes. She wrote songs for Ike & Tina Turner as well as their band the Kings of Rhythm, including "Funkier Than a Mosquita's Tweeter" which was covered by Nina Simone.

Edna Woods, also known as LeJeune Richardson, is an American singer, dancer and actress. She was an Ikette in the Ike & Tina Turner Revue in the 1960s and 1970s, and later a dancer for Tina Turner in the 1980s and 1990s. Richardson was a backing vocalist for Gayle McCormick and John Mayall. She was also a member of the vocal group Silver, Platinum & Gold.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Jeannette, Cooperman (February 26, 2010). "A Conversation With Robbie Montgomery". St. Louis Mag.
  2. 1 2 3 "The Mirettes Songs ••• Top Songs / Chart Singles Discography". Music VF, US & UK hits charts.
  3. ↑ "From Music Capitals of the World: Los Angeles" (PDF). Billboard. April 16, 1966. p. 34.
  4. ↑ "Billboard Best Selling R&B Singles" (PDF). Billboard. March 16, 1968. p. 38.
  5. ↑ "Billboard Hot 100" (PDF). Billboard. March 23, 1968. p. 74.
  6. ↑ "From Music Capitals of the World: Chicago" (PDF). Billboard. July 13, 1968. p. 73.
  7. ↑ "Uni, Revue Roster Sparkles" (PDF). Record World: 104. August 16, 1969.
  8. ↑ Spencer, Kristopher (2014-01-10). Film and Television Scores, 1950-1979: A Critical Survey by Genre. McFarland. p. 22. ISBN   978-0-7864-5228-6.
  9. ↑ "Roulette, Wilson Indie Label" (PDF). Billboard. June 27, 1970. p. 4.
  10. ↑ Ochs, Ed (November 7, 1970). "Soul Sauce" (PDF). Billboard. p. 31.
  11. ↑ Nevill, Brain. "Looking for Pat Powdrill". Spectropop.
  12. ↑ "Spotlight Singles" (PDF). Billboard. March 4, 1967. p. 14.
  13. ↑ "Record Reviews" (PDF). Cash Box: 22. June 1, 1968.
  14. ↑ "Top 60 Pop Spotlight" (PDF). Billboard. June 8, 1968. p. 78.
  15. ↑ "Special Merit Spotlight" (PDF). Billboard. November 16, 1968. p. 74.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.