I was born in 1958 and raised in Akron, Ohio. I come from a musical family. There are 6 children who all sing and play an instrument but only 2 of us decided to do music for a living, and that is my brother James & myself. Actually James, who is one of my older brothers used to take me around when I was about 7 or 8 years old to his band rehearsals and I knew then that this is what I was going to do. I got into my first band when I was 13-14 years old, about 1971 or so, playing locally around Akron and neighboring cities.
I graduated high school in 1976 and then in December of 1976 the band SWITCH was formed. This consisted of Greg Williams, Jody Sims, Bobby DeBarge, Tommy DeBarge, Eddie Fluellen, and myself Phillip Ingram. I remember in 1977, James was living out in California but wasn't known yet and I told him that I was coming to California, he said 'for what?', and I said 'we have a Record Deal'. James said, 'what do you mean you have a record deal?" and I told him that Motown heard our demo and they're interested in signing us. James couldn't believe it. At that time he had been in California for about 4 years or so and when he left he remembers me playing basketball and riding my bicycle so he didn't know I was this serious about music. I was 18 years old when I came to California
SWITCH was signed to Motown Records in May/1977 and went on to record 5 albums for the Label. Our 1st two albums went GOLD with such hits as "They'll Never Be", "I Wanna Be Closer", "Best Beat In Town", "Love Over & Over", and "I Call Your Name".
In 1982 I made a choice to go behind the scenes and I've worked with Quincy Jones, "I toured with him in 1982 part of 'The Dude' Tour, Barbara Streisand, Celene Dion, Julio Iglesias, Luther Vandross, Sheena Easton, Lionel Richie, Go West, Boz Scaggs, Anita Baker, Patti Austin, Eros Ramazotti and many others.
Going behind the scenes also allowed me to work on TV Commercials and Movies. Some of the films I've worked on are 'The Little Mermaid', 'Shrek', 'My Best Friends Wedding' - (I'm the wedding singer at the end of the movie), "Norbit", "Wedding Singer" - (The Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore Film not to be confused with My Best Friends Wedding :-) "RV", and others.
Some of the TV commercials that I've been a part of with some of my singing buddies such as Phil Perry, Jim Gilstrap, my brother James, Oren Waters, Darryl Phinnessee, Kevin Dorsey, Dorian Holley and others are: Peter Pan Peanut Butter, Sizzler, McDonalds, Moutain Dew, Levi's 501 Jeans, Sunkist Oranges, Coor's Beer, Kentucky Fried Chicken and much more.
As a songwriter I've written songs for Janet Jackson, Patti Austin, Temptations, Allison Williams and others.
Being behind the scenes has been great allowing me to work with a wealth of talent. Film Composers like, James Newton Howard, Hans Zimmer, Cliff Eidleman. Producers such as Walter Afanasieff, Peter Wolf, Wayne Henderson, Dennis Lambert.
Currently I'm still doing TV & radio commercials, singing on movies, Radio Stations IDs, and recordings. I'm also doing LIVE PERFORMANCES with Sheena Easton, Wayne Henderson and the Crusaders, and since 2003 SWITCH has gotten back together doing shows around the country.
Hi Phillip...dropping by to see how you are doing....I was listening to I wanna be closer and There will never be....Wow they were great songs!!....Blessings! Patti
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Thanks for the add, Phillip. I just love the quality of your voice. And I'm impressed that you're still singing (you cant have such a gift and chill on it. no way!!) I pray much peace and contentment to you. Thats what matters after all the lights and glory.
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