It's hard to believe in this day and age where nothing seems etched in stone, in a world where fads and trends come and go and nothing seems permanent, that a band can stay working and remain relevant and intact for five decades is almost beyond comprehension. Unless, of course, that the band in question is not only a formidable musical ensemble, but also a tight knit family unit. Ingram is just that. Also known as the Ingram Family or Ingram Kingdom, this family of brothers, sisters, offspring, and cousins, has often been rightly referred to as "the first family of Philly Soul" - and with good reason. Being that most of the members of Ingram are multi-instrumentalists, the members individually and collectively have participated on literally hundreds of recording sessions specifically in the area of Philadelphia, home to a particular style of soul music that is easily identifiable. For example, sister Barbara Ingram - whose life was cut short by cancer, along with her cousin Carla Benton, worked steadily as the chief background vocalists on recordings during the 1970's and 1980's for a variety of artists including Don Covay, MFSB, Arthur Prysock, Salsoul Orchestra, The Trammps, The Spinners, Lou Rawls, Billy Paul, Archie Bell & The Drells, Gloria Gaynor, Phyliss Hyman, Jean Carne, Joe Simon, The O'Jays, Jerry Butler, Melba Moore, and many others. The whole Ingram band traveled the world performing with R&B legends Al Green and Patti LaBelle for over 14 years, they also toured with New Birth and The Pointer Sisters in Europe. Additionally, Ingram spent a year performing in the award-winning Broadway Show "Your Arms Too Short To Box With God.†Brother Johnny was also a member of the prestigious Motown all-star studio band The Funk Brothers until 2004 when he left to assume the role of lead singer for the legendary Philly funk band MFSB. Brother Butch (Norman Ingram) is one of the most prolific producers of the Philly soul sound, and has not let up since he assumed that role in the early 1970's, recording and producing past stars of Philly soul as well as bringing new artists into the fold. The core band for the recordings on this compilation are Johnny Ingram (lead vocals, drums, trombone), Butch Ingram (bass, flugelhorn, trumpet, vocals), Jimmy Ingram (keyboards, saxophone, synthesizer, vocals), Billy Ingram (guitar, trombone, vocals), Timmy Ingram (percussion, trumpet, vocals), and Barbara Ingram (backing vocals). The selections here were chosen from the golden era of the Ingram family between 1977 and 1984 and truly represent the best of what identifies them as a unique entity. Incredibly, the band still exists and is still making new recordings, and everything they do bears the indelible stamp of family and the continuation of the Philly Soul experience. As long as there is still breath in their lungs, Ingram will continue to bring us their singularly unique brand of soulful music. Long live the Ingram family.
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