R&B Singer/Songwriter James Ingram Passes Away At 66

Sad, shocking and heartbreaking news in the world of R&B. One of the best voices and biggest contributors to R&B James Ingram passed away after a fight with brain cancer at the age of 66.

Nominated for 14 Grammys and winner of 2, Ingram was a force to be reckoned with throughout the 1980's and early 1990's pulling in 2 #1 hits including "Baby Come To Me" with Patti Austin in 1983 and "I Don't Have The Heart" in 1990.

Ingram's story is very fascinating. According to NPR, Ingram was 18 when he joined a band in Los Angeles but he underestimated his own singing skills. After the band broke up, he remained in LA working as a backup singer and songwriter for artists like Ray Charles and Marvin Gaye but when legendary producer Quincy Jones heard Ingram singing a demo of his classic hit "Just Once" his life would be forever changed.

Jones would place Ingram's "Just Once" and "One Hundred Ways" on his 1981 album "The Dude" and both songs would go on to be huge hits and it earned him a Grammy for "Best R&B Performance" that same year for "One Hundred Ways". 3 years later, Ingram would score another Grammy with Michael McDonald for "Yah Mo Be There".

Ingram would continue to be one of the go-to names in the 80's and 90's if you needed a hit. He co-wrote Michael Jackson's classic "PYT" and the beautiful ballad "Somewhere Out There" with Linda Ronstandt for the movie "An American Tail".

His big voice and amazing songs will never be forgotten. We extend our condolences to Mr. Ingram's family, friends and fans.