James Ingram, a Grammy Award-winning R&B singer has passed away at the age of 66. Ingram was a massive success in the 1980s winning two Grammys within five years for his performance of One Hundred Ways and Yah Mo B There. Actress and choreographer Debbie Allen announced the news on Twitter and fans, colleagues and R&B lovers have been mourning the loss of the legendary musician ever since. How did James Ingram die?
How did James Ingram die?
The Ohio native first got his start in the music business in the 1970s with the band Revelation Funk and later played for Ray Charles. Ingram also worked closely with other big names in the industry throughout the rest of his career including Quincy Jones, Patti Austin, Michael Jackson, Michael McDonald, Linda Ronstadt and more.
Ingram was also one of the featured soloists for the all-star choir that recorded and performed the 1985 hit We Are the World. Ingram sang parts between Kenny Rogers, Tina Turner and Ray Charles.
The R&B star’s death comes as a shock to many. “I have lost my dearest friend and creative partner James Ingram to the Celestial Choir,” Debbie Allen wrote. “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.”
Ingram’s cause of death has not been officially released, but TMZ reported that the 66-year-old died after a long battle with brain cancer. Sources close to the singer told the news outlet that Ingram had been fighting the disease for an extended period of time. It’s not clear how long the musician’s health has been in decline, but he was noticeably absent from a Quincy tribute concert in L.A. last September. Patti Austin performed her hit song with Ingram Baby Come to Me solo while singing both parts during the show amid his absence.
