Grammy-award singer and songwriter musician James Ingram has died at the age of 66 following a long battle with brain cancer. The star co-wrote many hit songs alongside music legend Quincy Jones including Michael Jackson’s hit song P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) and a duet with Michael McDonald titled Yah Me Be There which earned him a Grammy in 1984.
James’ close friend and collaborator, Debbie Allen confirmed the news on social media.
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
The musician’s friends, fans and colleagues have taken to social media to pay tribute to him and his life.
Condolences pour in following James Ingram’s death. May his soul rest in peace.
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
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Keep the music playing, Sir… Even for Just Once… RIP Sir James Ingram #ripjamesingram #jamesingram
Sending you love. Today the world lost a genius. James Ingram was a musician, artist, and humanitarian. He will be remembered for his brilliance and kind heart. https://t.co/t8JtEpygKO
— shonda rhimes (@shondarhimes) January 29, 2019
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Multi talented…songwriter, singer, composer James Ingram passed away today. Damn I feel like all the greats I knew personally as a kid are almost gone. Prayers to his family. RIP James Ingram
— Tevin Campbell (@tevincampbelll) January 29, 2019
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
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RIP the great James Ingram, a vocalist all vocalists looked up to
— josh groban (@joshgroban) January 29, 2019
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G’nite twittersphere…G’nite James Ingram ?? pic.twitter.com/1wDiDq9nKi
— Isaiah Washington (@IWashington) January 30, 2019