River Deep, Mountain High is the legendary album from Ike & Tina with six tracks produced by Phil Spector. The title track was the first of five singles and a massive hit in Europe. Ike Turner produced the remaining tracks which are essentially superior re-recordings of some of Ike & Tina's earlier hits. The album was first released in Europe and Australia in mono and stereo configurations and was supposed to be released in the U.S. as Philles PHLP 4011, but was cancelled after the single did not so well in America. The stereo masters were sold to A&M Records and River Deep, Mountain High was reissued in 1969 worldwide and for the first time in America, but the original monaural mix by Phil Spector is unique to this 1966 version and is not available on compact disc.
Producer: Phil Spector, Ike Turner
Recorded: Gold Star and United Studios, Los Angeles (March 1966)
Photographer: Dennis Hopper
Release: September 1966 / August 1969
Label: London (1966) / A&M (1969) / Various (Reissue)
Format: Vinyl / Cartridge
Charts: UK: #27
Billboard - May 14, 1966
PHILLES RECORDS recently added the dynamic duo, Ike and Tina Turner, to their roster. The couple's first release, entitled "River Deep-Mountain High," was produced by Philles prexy, Phil Spector. In addition, the Philles label acquired the Ikettes, whose release will be forthcoming soon.