Irma Curry, born on October 7, 1928, in Baltimore, was a talented jazz and blues singer known for her immaculate phrasing and inborn swing. Raised during the Depression, she grew up in a musical family, harmonizing with her parents and listening to records of iconic singers like Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. Despite not having formal music training, Irma's natural talent shone through when she won a singing contest at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School.

Her professional career began after being discovered by Baltimore radio announcer Chuck Richards while singing at church. This led to her winning a local TV contest and performing at Club Astoria, where she caught the attention of Lionel Hampton. Impressed by her voice, Hampton hired her on the spot, and she joined his band in 1950, earning the nickname "Lil' Bits" due to her petite stature.

Irma toured with Hampton's band until 1953, when she left over a wage dispute. In 1962, she recorded her only album, "Love Is a Necessary Evil," with Don Elliott and arrangements by Al Cohn, showcasing her willingness to explore lesser-known material by lyricist Jack Segal. Throughout her career, she also recorded singles with Benny Carter and performed with the Alan Simon Trio, Louis Jordan, and others, although opportunities dwindled with the rise of rock and soul music.

Irma Curry's contributions to jazz and blues, marked by her unique voice and dedication to her craft, remain a testament to her enduring talent.