Robbie Montgomery, who was one of the backing vocalists of the Ikettes supporting Ike & Tina Turner Revue, recently spoke to Rolling Stone and shared that Tina Turner never considered herself to be an exceptional singer.
The vocalist explained:
“She never thought she was a great singer. During those times, there were the Diana Rosses and people with the pretty voices — she didn’t have that; she was a rough singer. [But] she was a great performer. Nobody could do it like her. She was an entertainer from her heart.”
However, the popular lineup of the Ikettes, including Montgomery, Jessie Smith and Venetta Fields, decided to part ways with Ike & Tina Turner Revue in the mid-’60s and continued to make music under the name the Mirettes. Robbie reflected on leaving the duo and why Turner chose to stay with Ike:
“The Ikettes realized that we would never become stars working with Ike because he kept everybody in the back. Us leaving Tina was a devastating time in all of our lives, all three Ikettes.
I think Ike had Tina brainwashed because he said everybody he had taken and made a star out of, Jackie Brenston and all those other entertainers, had left him. She felt obligated to stay, thinking that if he got big that she would be able to leave. She was a strong-willed woman, and she always said, ‘In due time, I will be leaving.'”
Elsewhere in the interview, the singer revealed that she always felt guilty for leaving Tina with Ike, but they always stayed in touch until the late Queen of Rock and Roll moved to Switzerland. After Turner’s passing, Montgomery shared a heartfelt tribute message on her Instagram account, writing:
“Tina Turner was a true legend and an incredible woman who has left an indelible mark on the world. I am heartbroken, but I will forever cherish the memories we shared and the moments we spent together. Tina touched the souls of people around the world through her talent, strength, and unwavering spirit.
Tina’s music and her story will continue to inspire and uplift us for generations to come. I offer my deepest condolences to her millions of fans around the world. Rest in peace, my dear Ann. You will be deeply missed. I’ll never forget our times together.”
You can check out her post here.
