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The Gardenias

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Gardenias
OriginAlton, Illinois, U.S.
GenresR&B
Years active1956-1957
LabelsFederal Records
Past membersLuther Ingram
Archie Ingram
Richard Ingram
Lawrence Witherspoon
Connie Perry

The Gardenias were an American doo-wop group led by singer Luther Ingram. Backed by bandleader Ike Turner, they recorded for Federal Records in 1956.[1]

History

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Formed in Alton, Illinois, the group consisted of Luther Ingram singing lead, his brothers Archie Ingram and Richard Ingram, Lawrence Witherspoon, and Connie Perry.[2] They started off as a gospel group known as the Alton Crusaders before venturing into R&B as the Gardenias. On September 13, 1956, they recorded for Federal Records in Cincinnati. The group record four songs: "My Baby's Tops", "Flaming Love", "(All Alone And) Miserable", and "You Found The Time". They were accompanied by Ike Turner and his Kings of Rhythm for the session.[3] Their first and only single "Flaming Love" / "My Baby's Tops" was released in November 1956.[2] After the release, the group occasionally sang with Turner and continued singing gospel until they disbanded the following year.

Discography

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Singles

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  • 1956: "Flaming Love" / "My Baby's Tops" (Federal 12284)[2][4]

Album appearances

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  • 1991: Ike Turner Kings Of Rhythm – Trailblazer (Charly R&B)
  • 2010: Ike Turner – That Kat Sure Could Play! The Singles 1951-1957 (Secret Records Limited)

References

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  1. ^ "Soul singer Luther Ingram dead at 69". Reuters. March 21, 2007.
  2. ^ a b c "Reviews of New R&B Records" (PDF). Billboard. November 10, 1956. p. 136.
  3. ^ Greensmith, Bill; Camarigg, Mark; Rowe, Mike (2015-09-30). Blues Unlimited: Essential Interviews from the Original Blues Magazine. University of Illinois Press. p. 259. ISBN 978-0-252-09750-8.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  4. ^ "R&B Reviews" (PDF). Cash Box: 32. November 10, 1956.