| Past Members: | Luther Ingram Archie Ingram Richard Ingram Lawrence Witherspoon Connie Perry |
| The Gardenias | |
| Label: | Federal Records |
| Associated Acts: | Ike Turner Kings of Rhythm |
| Years Active: | 1956-1957 |
| Origin: | Alton, Illinois, U.S. |
| Genre: | R&B |
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]
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. After the release, the group occasionally sang with Turner and continued singing gospel until they disbanded the following year.