Artists, friends, and fans have paid tribute to singer-songwriter James Ingram, who has died aged 66.
The Grammy award-winning American singer was perhaps best known for his two US Number Ones ‘Baby Come To Me’ (1986) and ‘I Don’t Have The Heart’ (1990). He also wrote Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ cut ‘PYT’, with music producer Quincy Jones.
Jones reacted to the news on Twitter, writing: “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.”
Grey’s Anatomy actress and friend Debbie Allen announced Ingram’s death on Twitter yesterday (January 29).
She wrote: “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.”
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Ingram began his music career with the band Revelation Funk and went on to play keyboards for Ray Charles.
Over his career, Ingram was nominated for 14 Grammys along with two Golden Globes and two Oscars. The singer also collaborated with Donna Summer, Viktor Lazlo and Natalie Cole.
The Recording Academy, the organisation behind the Grammys, said in a statement: “Ingram’s rich voice and masterful songwriting has made a lasting impact on the music industry.
“Our thoughts go out to his loved ones during this difficult time.”
Take a look at some of the tributes to Ingram below.
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
https://twitter.com/kg_muse/status/1090477164150046720
Thank you for your love.
Thank you for your friendship.
Thank you for your music.
Thank you for your legacy. #JamesIngram ❤️ pic.twitter.com/hPK0oFe2ud— Gladys Knight (@MsGladysKnight) January 30, 2019
RIP the great James Ingram, a vocalist all vocalists looked up to
— josh groban (@joshgroban) January 29, 2019