ikette

The Ikettes were a group of female backing vocalists and dancers who performed with Ike Turner starting in the early 1960s as part of the Ike Turner Revue. The lineup changed over time, with different singers rotating through the ensemble. Among the most notable facts is that Tina Turner began her career as an Ikette before becoming the lead singer of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, a move that helped launch her later solo fame. The Ikettes contributed to the live show’s energy and helped shape the sound of the Turner productions with their harmonies, rhythm, and stage presence.

In addition to live performances, the Ikettes released a number of singles during the 1960s on labels associated with Turner’s operation. Their recordings showcased a blend of rhythm and blues and early soul, and they often provided the backing vocal texture behind Ike Turner’s performances. Over the years, many former Ikettes pursued solo projects or joined other groups, while the name persisted in various configurations on reissues and compilations.

Legacy and influence are notable aspects of the Ikettes’ story. They are recognized for helping to define the role of female backing vocalists in mid-20th-century R&B and for contributing to the distinctive sound and stage spectacle of the Ike Turner Revue. Their work has been revisited in retrospective soul and funk anthologies, and their influence is felt in later generations of backup vocal groups in popular music.