Ms. Robbie One More Time

Robbie Montgomery began her musical journey as a child in her family church's gospel choir. By the time she was 16 years old, she had moved into R&B, working with a group known as the Chordettes, which evolved into the Rhythmettes. That group recorded a pair of songs written by Montgomery and released them through Yvette Records. By this time, she had become acquainted with Ike Turner, who featured her as a background singer on the single "A Fool for Love." Turner scored a hit with it alongside Tina Turner, his then wife, and it led to Montgomery's job as an original Ikette, where she remained for more than six years.

Montgomery headed to Los Angeles when the Turners settled there in 1962. The area offered her a lot of opportunity. She became a member of the Night Trippers, Dr. John's backing singers. She appeared on three of Dr. John's albums and sang background for such artists as the Rolling Stones, the Supremes, Barbra Streisand, Stevie Wonder, and Burt Bacharach. She also sang live shows as backup for José Feliciano, Pink Floyd, Quincy Jones, B.B. King, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Jerry Butler, Patti Labelle, Rod Stewart, Elton John, and Bobby Bland. 

Montgomery moved back home to St. Louis in the mid-'80s where she regularly headlines. The latest edition of her iconic soul food restaurant, Sweetie Pie's, is scheduled to open soon.