James Ingram, the great R&B singer and protege of Quincy Jones, has died at age 66. He suffered from brain cancer but had been in ill health for some time.
Ingram was the consummate singer, with a big, rangy voice perfect for ballads. His biggest hit was “Just Once.” But he also had duet hits with Patti Austin– “Baby, Come to Me”– and Michael McDonald– “Ya Moh Be There” among others. (He also made two records with John Tesh, but he will be absolved in heaven for those.)
Condolences to his family and friends including Debbie Allen, who posted a Tweet this afternoon.
Here’s an exclusive quote from Quincy Jones:
“There are no words to convey how much my heart aches with the news of the passing of my baby brother James Ingram. With that soulful, whisky sounding voice, James Ingram was simply magical. From the minute I first heard his voice on the demo tape for “Just Once,” to “One Hundred Ways”, his classic duet with Patti Austin “How Do You Keep The Music Playing”, “Secret Garden,” “We Are The World,” and all of our recordings, every beautiful note that James sang pierced your essence and comfortably made itself at home. But it was really no surprise because James was a beautiful human being, with a heart the size of the moon. James Ingram was, and always will be, beyond compare. Rest In Peace baby brother. You will be in my heart forever.”
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
