Two-time Grammy award winner, singer, producer and instrumentalist, James Ingram, has died.
The singer passed away on Tuesday of brain cancer, according to reports. He was 66 years old.
The news of his death was announced by the late singer’s close friend, Debbie Allen, who posted on her Twitter.
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
Born on February 16, 1952, Ingram lived in Ohio with his parents until he was 10 and moved in with his grandmother. He later relocated to Los Angeles, where he played in the Revelation Funk band. He played the piano for Ray Charles before becoming famous.
Ingram is known as an accomplished musician, winning two Grammy Awards and collaborating with Charles, Quincy Jones, Anita Baker, and Michael McDonald. He also wrote for Michael Jackson.
Ingram was also nominated for two Oscars for Best Original Song in 1994 and 1995 for songs from Beethoven’s 2nd and Junior, respectively.
Tributes have been pouring in on social media, with many remembering the musician as a formidable vocalist.
Thank you for your love.
— Gladys Knight (@MsGladysKnight) January 30, 2019
Thank you for your friendship.
Thank you for your music.
Thank you for your legacy. #JamesIngram ❤️ pic.twitter.com/hPK0oFe2ud
James Ingram, Michael McDonald, Rod Temperton, & Quincy Jones…
— Rex Chapman?? (@rex_rexchapman) January 29, 2019
‘Yah Mo B There’ ~ 1983
RIP, JI.? pic.twitter.com/pL78puErE7
RIP James Ingram!
— Steven James (@TheLaunchMag) January 30, 2019
He wrote PYT for Michael pic.twitter.com/pNBEN798il
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
REMEMBERING SINGER/SONGWRITER JAMES INGRAM • 1952-2019 pic.twitter.com/RbR4J2vBqv
— Apollo Theater (@ApolloTheater) January 30, 2019
Oh Lord. RIP#JamesIngram https://t.co/d5D0pXqKAE
— Donna Brazile (@donnabrazile) January 29, 2019
‘Spending every dime
— BrianCourtneyWilson (@BCourtneyWilson) January 30, 2019
To keep you talking on the line
That’s how it was
And all those walks together
Out in any kind of weather
Just because’
RIP #jamesingram pic.twitter.com/Mw0nUArj4R
#brianized rip James ingram https://t.co/teBnXrKv7Y
— Brian McKnight (@ItsBMcKnight) January 30, 2019
You gave me the greatest advice. Thank you for being you. This is one of my many favorites. Well done?. Well done. R.I.P #JamesIngram #legend pic.twitter.com/leN5ySWUhl
— ledisi (@ledisi) January 30, 2019
James Ingram More Than Just 100 ways • RIH ?? pic.twitter.com/dIngs5NyvL
— MAXWELL (@_MAXWELL_) January 30, 2019
