James Ingram, Grammy-Winning R&B Singer Dead at Age 66
R&B singer and two-time Grammy-winner, James Ingram has died at age 66.
Actress and choreographer Debbie Allen, a friend and collaborator of Ingram’s announced the chart-topping singer, songwriter, and producer’s death on her Twitter account on January 29.
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
The exact cause of death hasn’t been confirmed yet, however TMZ is reporting that the producer died from brain cancer.
The two-time Academy Award nominee for Best Original Song won two Grammys during his career for his song “One Hundred Ways” and his duet with Michael McDonald, “Yah Mo B There”.
The Akron, Ohio native had nine hits on the Billboard Hot 100. Out of those hits were two No. 1s, “Baby Come to Me,” with Patti Austin, in 1983, and “ I Don’t Have the Heart” in 1990. Ingram had other hits like “Just Once” (No. 17 in 1981, Quincy Jones featuring Ingram) and “Somewhere Out There” (No. 2 in 1987, with Linda Ronstadt). Ingram also co-wrote Michael Jackson’s “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” with Quincy Jones.
Funeral plans have not yet been released.
Many entertainers took to to Twitter to give their condolences to the multi-talented artist.
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
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
Sending you love. Today the world lost a genius. James Ingram was a musician, artist, and humanitarian. He will be remembered for his brilliance and kind heart. https://t.co/t8JtEpygKO
— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) January 29, 2019
