Barbara Ingram

Barbara Jane Ingram (February 9, 1947 – October 20, 1994) 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.

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.^[2]

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" (1972) and "Games People Play" (1975). They were also part of John Davis and the Monster Orchestra.^[3]

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 [Jimmy], Norman [Butch], William [Billy], Robert [Timmy] and John [Johnny]. 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 (Smooth Talk)^[3]
• Grace Jones (Fame, Muse)^[3]
• Luther Vandross
• Marvin Gaye
• Philippé Wynne
• Plastic Surprise^[5]
• Sister Sledge
• Stevie Wonder

Ingram continued to sing live concert shows from 1980 until 1986, then from 1988 until 1992.

On 16 March 2018, Society Hill Records released a posthumous LP, "Barbara Ingram: Philadelphia Sweetheart." It's available on Spotify and Apple Music.^[6][1][7]

Barbara Ingram was born the second of nine children to Reverend N. Henry and Vera Ingram of Camden, NJ. Their family was large and built on a foundation of faith and love. Music was an integral part of the Ingram family, so it was no surprise that Barbara pursued a career in music.^[3]

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.^[8]

On October 20, 1994, Barbara Ingram died at the age of 47, in Camden, New Jersey; she suffered from lupus and cancer.^[9] The funeral was held in her hometown of Camden. Her husband and daughter both preceded her in death.^[3]

• "Find A Grave: Barbara Jane Ingram Marshall". findagrave.com. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
• "An interview with Carla Benson at Soul Express in December 2014". soulexpress.net. Retrieved 21 August 2025. Carla L. Benson is a musical treasure and one of the best-kept secrets in our genre.
• "Carla Benson, Evette Benton and Barbara Ingram". gettyimages.com. Retrieved 21 August 2025. Carla Benson, Evette Benton and Barbara Ingram ( The Sweeties ) photographed in Philadelphia in 1981 (Photo by MpiRock/MediaPunch via Getty Images)
• "Barbara Ingram, Evette and Carla Benson of The Sweethearts". gettyimages.com. Retrieved 21 August 2025. Philadelphia PA: Barbara Ingram, Evette and Carla Benson of The Sweethearts aka The Sweeties photographed in 1981 (Photo by MPIRock/MediaPunch via Getty Images)
• "Sweethearts of Sigma". soultracks.com. Retrieved 21 August 2025. In 1972, the late Barbara Ingram, after returning from a tour as a Raylette for Ray Charles....
• "The Salsoul Orchestra". metason.net. Retrieved 21 August 2025. Barbara Ingram: bvoc, voc 1947-1994 US
• "Barbara Ingram – Philadelphia Sweetheart". Jazz Chill Music. Retrieved 21 August 2025. One of the few albums we've ever seen to foreground the talents of the great Barbara Ingram as a lead act – even though her vocals had been a huge part of the Philly scene from the 60s onward....
• "The Sweethearts of Sigma: Carla L. Benson, Evette Benton and Barbara Ingram". legendsofvinyl.com. Retrieved 21 August 2025. In 1972, the late Barbara Ingram, after returning from a tour as a Raylette for Ray Charles.... (sic)
• "Sweethearts of Sigma". allmusic.com. Retrieved 21 August 2025. Credits: - 2015:Disco:Grace Jones - 1995:The Salsoul Classics 2, Vols. 3 & 4 - 1978:Grace Jones: Fame - 1977:Grace Jones:Portfolio