Long before millions of television viewers came to know her as "Miss Robbie," Robbie Montgomery spent decades backing some of the biggest names in rock and roll history. Born in Mississippi and raised in St. Louis, Montgomery transitioned from a celebrated background vocalist to a resilient culinary entrepreneur. While viral internet rumors periodically spark confusion over public figures, Robbie Montgomery is alive, continuing a legacy defined by soulful cooking, fierce family loyalty, and remarkable professional reinvention.
Examining her journey reveals a multifaceted career spanning the golden age of soul music, the founding of a beloved restaurant empire, and the navigating of profound personal triumphs and trials.
From Mississippi Roots to the Golden Age of Soul
Born Robbie Marie Montgomery on June 16, 1940, in Columbus, Mississippi, she moved with her family to St. Louis, Missouri, at age six. Growing up in the Pruitt-Igoe housing projects as the oldest of nine siblings, music provided an early escape and a creative outlet. She sang faithfully in church choirs and performed in local talent showcases throughout her youth.
By the late 1950s, Montgomery dropped out of school to pursue a professional singing career. She performed with several vocal groups, including the Chordettes and the Ardrettes. Her powerful voice caught the attention of major industry pioneers, leading to a fateful collaboration in 1959 when she sang background vocals on Ike and Tina Turner's hit single "A Fool in Love".
This partnership cemented her role as one of the original Ikettes, touring across the country and performing high-energy revues. For roughly seven years, Montgomery lived life on the road, sharing stages with legendary performers and building a reputation as a powerhouse harmony singer.
A Versatile Career as a Session Vocalist
After parting ways with the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, Montgomery's vocal talents kept her in high demand throughout the 1960s and 1970s. She sang as a founding member of the Mirettes and later performed as a "Night Tripper" alongside Dr. John.
Her session work expanded across musical genres. Montgomery provided backing vocals for iconic acts such as:
- Stevie Wonder
- Barbra Streisand
- The Rolling Stones
- Joe Cocker
Her career as a touring and session singer came to an abrupt halt in the late 1970s. Severe health issues involving her lungs and respiratory system forced her to step away from the microphone permanently. Faced with the end of her first career, Montgomery pivoted, working for a decade as a dialysis technician in St. Louis hospitals while planning her next chapter.
Launching the Sweetie Pie's Empire
Drawing on the traditional southern recipes she learned from her mother, Montgomery decided to channel her savings into the restaurant business. In 1996, she opened the doors to her first eatery in Dellwood, Missouri, naming it Sweetie Pie's.
The restaurant quickly gained a dedicated local following for its authentic soul food, featuring staples like fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, and peach cobbler. As demand surged, Montgomery expanded, opening multiple locations across the St. Louis metropolitan area, including the prominent Upper Crust establishment.
Her entrepreneurial success caught the eye of television producers, leading to the 2011 premiere of the Oprah Winfrey Network reality series Welcome to Sweetie Pie's. The show ran for nine successful seasons, offering viewers an unfiltered look at family dynamics, kitchen management, and Montgomery's sharp, maternal wisdom.
Facing Tragedy and Family Turmoil
While the restaurant brand flourished on television, the Montgomery family faced severe personal trials away from the cameras. In 2016, tragedy struck when Robbie's grandson, Andre Montgomery Jr., was shot and killed in St. Louis.
The subsequent police investigation revealed a shocking conspiracy. Prosecutors charged James Timothy Norman—Robbie's son and co-star on the show—with masterminding a murder-for-hire plot involving a life insurance policy taken out on young Andre. In 2022, a federal jury convicted Norman, and he received a life sentence.
The emotional toll of the trial, combined with shifting economic landscapes and pandemic-related pressures, led to the gradual closure of the physical Sweetie Pie's restaurant locations, including the Upper Crust. Despite these immense hardships, Montgomery maintained her resilience, focusing on her creative writing, cookbook publishing, and community presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Robbie Montgomery still alive?
Yes. Internet death hoaxes frequently target aging celebrities, but Robbie Montgomery is alive and remains active in managing her personal legacy and public appearances.
How old is Robbie Montgomery?
Born on June 16, 1940, Montgomery is 86 years old.
What caused the closure of Sweetie Pie's restaurants?
The restaurant locations closed over several years due to a combination of changing economic conditions, the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the severe family strain resulting from the 2016 murder trial involving her son.
Was Robbie Montgomery actually an Ikette?
Yes. In the early 1960s, she spent roughly seven years touring as a primary background singer for the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, famously known as an Ikette.
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