Barbara Ingram
Barbara Jane Ingram was an American R&B singer and songwriter born in Camden, New Jersey who was active throughout the early 1970s until the mid-late 1980s, enjoying modest success as a backup singer for almost two decades.
Career
In 1972, Ingram formed a vocal trio with her cousin Carla Benson and Benson's close friend, Evette Benton, alternating with group names such as: "The Sweethearts of Sigma", "The Philadelphia Angels", "The Sweeties" and "The Sweethearts".The trio can be heard on many Contemporary R&B/Disco albums recorded in Philadelphia.
In 1971, she sang background vocals, alongside songwriter Linda Creed, on The Stylistics eponymous album, reappearing on their 1973 successor album, Rockin' Roll Baby.
In 1973 and 1974, Ingram appeared on Hawaiian based soul singer Dick Jensen’s eponymous debut album, followed by R&B/Soul band Ecstasy, Passion & Pain's eponymous debut album.
Through the decade of the 1970s, Ingram, Benson and Benton comprised the in-house backup group for Philadelphia International Records, known as the Sweethearts of Sigma.
They worked for producer and Philadelphia soul co-creator Thom Bell, as well as backing a number of acts that came through to record in the closely related Sigma Sound Studios.
The trio can be heard on a number of hits, such as The Spinners’ million-sellers "Could It Be I'm Falling in Love" and "Games People Play".
They were also part of John Davis and the Monster Orchestra.
Later life
In 1976 Ingram sang lead vocals on the album The Funk Is In Our Music for Ingram Kingdom, a family group that included her five brothers James, Norman, William, Robert and John .Switching their name to 'Ingram' in 1977, Barbara continued to contribute background vocals to the group's next three albums released 1977-1984, That's All!, Would You Like To Fly and Night Stalkers.
Ingram is pictured on their first album Ingram Kingdom.
Throughout the years, from 1975 until 1985 she sang backup for these artists among many others for their albums.
- Brenda Mitchell
- Cindy Williams
- Dick Jensen
- Eddie Kendricks
- Elkie Brooks
- Evelyn "Champagne" King
- Grace Jones
- Luther Vandross
- Marvin Gaye
- Philippé Wynne
- Plastic Surprise
- Sister Sledge
- Stevie Wonder
On 16 March 2018, Society Hill Records released a posthumous LP, "Barbara Ingram: Philadelphia Sweetheart." It's available on Spotify and Apple Music.
Personal life, and death
Ingram was married to songwriter/producer Sherman Marshall, who wrote famous 1970s hits such as "I'm Doin' Fine Now" by New York City, "Then Came You" by The Spinners and "Lady Love" by Lou Rawls.Ingram also had a daughter named Denene, who died in 1976.
On October 20, 1994, Barbara Ingram died at the age of 47, in Camden, New Jersey; she suffered from lupus and cancer.
The funeral was held in her hometown of Camden.
Her husband and daughter both preceded her in death.