The Gardenias

The Gardenias
Origin	Alton, Illinois, U.S.
Genres	R&B
Years active	1956-1957
Labels	Federal Records
Past members	Luther 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

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

Singles

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

Album appearances

• 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

1. "Soul singer Luther Ingram dead at 69". Reuters. March 21, 2007.
2. "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.
4. "R&B Reviews" (PDF). Cash Box: 32. November 10, 1956.