JOURNEY INTO LOVE

 EVETTE L. BENTON, CARLA L. BENSON, BARBARA J. INGRAM

These three Camden natives became the in-house background recording vocalists for Philadelphia International Records, and many of the acts who came to Sigma Sound Studios for that special Philly Sound throughout the 1970’s and early 80’s. It is these women’s voices you sing along with in Billy Paul's “Me and Mrs. Jones” or The Spinners “I’ll Be Around” or The Stylistics “Break up to Make Up”, Lou Rawls, "You're Gonna Miss my Lovin'", McFadden and Whitehead’s “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now”, Patti Labelle’s “If Only You Knew” and “On My Own” to name a very few. Indeed, if you are a fan of ‘Old School’, Philadelphia International Records artists like Teddy Pendergrass, Jean Carne, MFSB, Dexter Wansel,  Lou Rawls, Jean Carne and others; if you appreciate Disco, The Salsoul Orchestra, and too many Disco artists to name; then you have been listening to and enjoying these ladies vocals for decades. 

Before Evette and Carla were legally old enough to drink, they were listed among the Top 40 Women in the Music Business in the late 70’s. They were sought after by top music producers worldwide.

Sadly, Barbara transitioned in 1994. Her main ambition in life was to be a performer. When the group became so successful, she discovered and developed a great love for the Business side of the Music Business as well. She had a gift for entertainment and was loved and respected. She had one daughter who she lost, unexpectedly, in 1976. She married Philadelphia International producer Sherman Marshall in a secret ceremony sometime in the 1980's. It was Barbara who alerted the girls to the possibility of a career in recording while Evette and Carla were still in their freshman year at Glassboro State College, now Rowan University. 

Evette fell victim to the Covid virus and, unexpectedly, tragically transitioned in November of 2021. She'd been the FCC Compliance Officer for the Camden County OEO program for many years. She loved her job and was good at it. The duties of her position caused her to be somewhat unpopular with her coworkers from time to time, but the respect she commanded always came through as a positive. She had an uncommon love for her family and often went out of her way to be there for them.  She was never married and never had any children. Her nieces and nephews filled that void for her. Evette returned to the church of her childhood, New Mickle Baptist Church in Camden, and served as Choir Director, then Treasurer for 25 years until she passed. She and Carla remained close friends and, together with Barbaras' brother, Johnny, continued to work together throughout the new millennium, most notably in the PBS special, "Rock, Bop and Doo-Wop".

Evette struggled with cigarette smoking for 45 years and was most proud of herself when she finally quit several years before her untimely death. 

She had a lovely, musical laugh and used it often. 

Carla Benson is the sole remaining member of this legendary group of Black women from Camden, New Jersey. She has two sons and five grandchildren. Post the music business, she continued to perform in various genres. Carla completed her degree from Rowan University and became a Teacher in the Camden City School District, while serving as Vocal Music Director at the Sword of the Spirit Christian Center in Camden, under the leadership of Pastors Willie and Bernadette Anderson. 

She discovered a great love for the inner-city high school youth in her city and welcomes opportunities to work with them. 

Carla Benson worked as a Paralegal in the Hall of Justice in Camden for two years. She earned her Paralegal Certification at The Technical Institute of New Jersey. With a wink and a smile, he says her time as a paralegal convinced her she IS a Musician.  She also earned Certification as a Spiritual Counselor from the Universal Life Church in California. 

After the transition of her dear friend of 64 years, Evette, it was repeatedly suggested she write a book. Not realizing how all-consuming that task would become, she has spent the better part of several years "just trying to get it right".