Soul singer and recording artist, Ira is the daughter or renowned jazz singer Ruby Glover and goddaughter of Bobby Starr of the Intruders.
Ira began her career performing as a teenager at many of the Pennsylvania Avenue clubs, the York, Margie’s, Golden Door, Unhooked Generation, Uptown, Esquire, Chantilly, Famous Ballroom, and the Bronze Lounge in D.C.
In 1971 she was singing at the Critic’s Lounge owned by Curtis ‘Tiny’ Wright. Together they formed the Soul House record label. Her first single “He Called Me Baby” was produced by Dave Smith and Bob Cole. It was released in 1971 and named a “Pick Hit of the Week” at radio station WEBB. The backing group was Billy Anderson & the Apollos.
The Soul House label employed D.C. based writer Joe Shamwell, and featured record releases by Billy Anderson & the Apollo’s, Jimmy Dotson, and Bobby Starr & the Versatiles.
Ira also performed with local groups including United Chair, Best of Both Worlds, Witchcraft, Panama Band, Priority…
Ira went on to tour the east coast and southern states with E.J. Lanier & the Disciples for seven years and finally settled in New Orleans. During her stay there she performed as a studio singer on recordings with Toussaint McCall and other New Orleans artists.
In 2000 and again in 2002 Ira toured the east coast and traveled to Europe as a vocalist with the New All Saints Choir under the direction of Dr. Kenneth Dean.
She ultimately returned to her R&B roots. In the ‘90s and ‘00s she fronted her classic R&B group Everyday People (see bio).
Ira’s record releases include:
1971 Soul House 3298 He Called Me Baby / Let Them Talk
1972 Soul House 3429 Funky Woman / I’ll Be Loving You
