Luther Thomas Ingram (November 30, 1937 – March 19, 2007) was an American R&B and soul performer and singer-songwriter. He is best known for the 1972 single "(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want to Be Right", which became his most enduring hit. Over several decades Ingram recorded a string of singles and albums and remained active in the soul music community.

Career and recordings

Ingram's career began in the 1960s and reached its commercial peak in the early 1970s. His voice was noted for a smooth, emotive delivery that suited romantic and conflicted soul ballads. Though he did not always write his biggest charting material, his interpretations brought a distinctive warmth and immediacy to songs crafted by Memphis-area writers and producers.

His signature 1972 track was written by a team of songwriters and produced in the soul tradition of the era; it crossed over from R&B to broader audiences and has been covered and reinterpreted by artists in a range of styles. Ingram's catalogue also includes other R&B singles and album releases that showcased both uptempo grooves and slow, intimate performances.

Style and influence

Ingram's musical style blended elements of southern soul, pop sensibility, and gospel-inflected phrasing. He is remembered for conveying emotional complexity—often singing about love, moral dilemmas, and relationships in ways that resonated with listeners. His work contributed to the era's body of classic soul recordings and inspired singers who followed.

Legacy and later life

Although Ingram never became a ubiquitous household name, his best-known record endures as a staple of classic soul playlists and radio standards. He continued to perform and record intermittently into later years. Luther Ingram died in 2007 of heart failure, leaving behind a small but influential catalogue that remains of interest to collectors and fans of 20th-century soul music.

Selected notes

  • Signature song: "(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want to Be Right" (1972), widely associated with Ingram.
  • Other recordings and singles throughout the 1960s–1970s reflect the period's R&B production and songwriting styles.
  • Recognized for vocal warmth, interpretive skill, and contributions to southern soul traditions.