Legendary RnB singer, James Ingram, passed away at the age of 66 years old. The Grammy award winner was nominated for an Oscar, and has two number one hit songs in 1983 and 1990.
Born in Ohio in 1952, Ingram moved to Los Angeles and grew in notoriety when he joined the band, Revelation Funk. He also played the keyboard for Ray Charles before his own musical career boomed.
He performed vocals on Quincy Jones’ 1981 album The Dude, and claimed the Best Male RnB Vocal Performance Grammy for the song One Hundred Ways in 1982.
Jones and Ingram would also later co-write Pretty Young Thing for Michael Jackson.
His first number one song was duet Baby, Come To Me with singer Patti Austin. He later topped the charts with I Don’t Have The Heart.
Although his cause of death has not yet been confirmed, TMZ reported that Ingram was suffering from brain cancer.
I have lost my dearest friend and creative partner James Ingram to the Celestial Choir. 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.❤️ pic.twitter.com/TDJfpbbJWa
— Debbie Allen (@msdebbieallen) January 29, 2019
There are no words to convey how much my ❤️ aches with the news of the passing of my baby brother, James Ingram. With that soulful, whisky sounding voice, James was simply magical. He was, & always will be, beyond compare. Rest In Peace my baby bro…You’ll be in my ❤️ forever pic.twitter.com/oZtA9h8uZR
— Quincy Jones (@QuincyDJones) January 29, 2019
Today I celebrate the life of James Ingram. His unmistakable voice and songwriting genius set a standard of excellence for me… James Ingram paved the way for me to sing love songs with intent and authenticity. ?? pic.twitter.com/L0cMK2s1UV
— Kenny Lattimore (@kennylattimore) January 29, 2019
James Ingram and Patti Austin ~ ‘Baby Come To Me’ ~ 1992?
What a voice. What a career. What a talent. What a life. Thank you and rest, James Ingram.?? pic.twitter.com/duiSgKYBr2
— Rex Chapman?? (@rex_rexchapman) January 29, 2019
Thank you James Ingram for a lifetime of music. My condolences to his family and friends. May you Rest In Peace brother. Your music will always live on.
— Patricia de Lille (@PatriciaDeLille) January 30, 2019
Wow. RIP to James Ingram. What an artist. What a voice.
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) January 30, 2019
James Ingram???? OH NOOOOOOO!!!! Not a great day. at all
— octavia spencer (@octaviaspencer) January 29, 2019
Multi talented…songwriter, singer, composer James Ingram passed away today. Damn I feel like all the greats I knew personally as a kid are almost gone. Prayers to his family. RIP James Ingram
— Tevin Campbell (@tevincampbelll) January 29, 2019
Today we loose An incredible icon my dear friend Mr. James Ingram. I am going to miss you my friend. Plz pray for the family. Thank u. God bless pic.twitter.com/dr2rSI8j2Q
— SheilaEdrummer (@SheilaEdrummer) January 29, 2019
Picture: Twitter