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James Ingram (2/16/52 – 1/29/19)

R & B singer, James Ingram has died at the age of 66. A native of Akron, Ohio, Ingram was a double Grammy award winner and two time Oscar nominee.

In the 1970’s Ingram got his start performing with the Akron Ohio group, Revolution Funk before becoming a session artist working with artists such as Ray Charles and Marvin Gaye. Although a talented musician who played multiple instruments, his signature baritone voice ultimately became his claim to fame. Ingram’s soulful voice dominated the R&B scene during the 80’s and early 90’s. News outlet TMZ reports that Ingram was suffering from brain cancer. During his career, he achieved 8 top forty hits, including his 1982 duet with Patti Austin, “Baby Come To Me”, and “I Don’t Have A Heart” released in the 90’s which went No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. His songwriting abilities caught the attention of Quincy Jones.

Ingram was also well known for his soundtrack work, which produced hits such as, “Somewhere Out There”, a duet he performed with Linda Rondstadt in 1986 for the animated film, “An American Tail”. The song reached No. 2 on pop charts. His duet with Michael McDonald, “Yah Mo B There” also won a Grammy, as did his song, “One Hundred Ways” which was featured on Quincy Jones’ album, “The Dude”. Ingram’s partnership with Quincy Jones was a creative partnership that spanned decades. Together, they wrote “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)”, Michael Jackson’s Grammy nominated hit song. Jones and Ingram produced numerous other hit songs combining their creative talents.

Good friend, Debbie Allen said of Ingram (in a statement posted to twitter), “. “He will always be cherished, loved and remembered for his genius, his love of family and his humanity. I am blessed to have been so close. We will forever speak his name,”

Another R & B great has left us! His songs will continue to be timeless R & B classics! Check out this live performance of James Ingram and Quincy Jones. Ingram his singing, “One Hundred Ways” live in 1983.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqYVITKHyYA&w=560&h=315]

Sources:

https://www.tmz.com/2019/01/29/james-ingram-dead-dies-brain-cancer/

https://thegrapevine.theroot.com/grammy-winning-r-b-singer-songwriter-james-ingram-dead-1832169090