Sweethearts of Sigma
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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The Sweethearts of Sigma was vocal trio associated with the Sigma Sound Studios. founded in 1972 by Barbara Ingram, Carla Benson and Evette Benton, the trio could be heard on many 1970s and 1980s R&B and disco recordings in Philadelphia.
Career
Carla Benson began her professional career singing with her cousin Barbara Ingram, who died unexpectedly in 1994, and Evette Benton, her best friend from childhood with whom she was now college roommates. After auditioning for Thom Bell, these women, all Camden natives, became the in-house background vocalists for Philadelphia International Records for over 10 years. They vigorously resisted any group name but eventually were named "The Sweethearts of Sigma" for the famous Sigma Sound Studios where they did the majority of their work, by mix master Tom Moulton. The group became much sought after for their sweet, angelic sound, their professionalism, their speed and accuracy in learning and recording, and their comedic antics during sessions with producers who flew in from all over the world to work with them.
They never signed an exclusive contract, making them were free to work as independent contractors for whomever they chose. As a result, they appeared on many projects outside the Philadelphia International stables. Benson's crisp, clear soprano blended perfectly with Barbara's sensual second soprano and Evette's solid, gospel rich bottom. They can be heard on hundreds of hits, including Billy Paul's "Me and Mrs. Jones", The Spinners' "I'll Be Around, McFadden and Whitehead's "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now", Evelyn "Champagne" King's "Shame", Patti LaBelle's "New Attitude" and "If Only You Knew", Lou Rawls' "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine" and Patti LaBelle and Michael McDonald's "On My Own" to name a few.
During the disco era, The Sweethearts were heavily sought after for their vocals. Precluded by confidentiality agreements from revealing actual artists and title songs, the Sweethearts were the actual vocalists for several major disco hits as well as the named and unnamed background vocalists for studio orchestras MFSB, The Salsoul Orchestra, The Ritchie Family, and John Davis and the Monster Orchestra. They provided background vocals for Grace Jones, The Trammps, the Village People, Gloria Gaynor, Loleatta Holloway, France Joli, and hundreds of others successful disco acts. After the runaway success of Saturday Night Fever, even John Travolta tried his hand at recording and insisted on the vocal assistance of the famed Sweethearts.
With the sudden decline of disco, the women were without work and decided to break up the group.
See also
