Source: Earl Gibson III / Getty
Another singing great has died.
Grammy-winner James Ingram passed away after battling brain cancer. The “Baby Come To Me” singer who topped the charts in the 80s was 66-years-old.
According to TMZ, sources close to the singer told them James had been fighting the cancer for a while.
Choreographer and Grey’s Anatomy star Debbie Allen confirmed the news on Twitter on Tuesday.
“I have lost my dearest friend and creative partner James Ingram to the Celestial Choir,” she announced in a tweet on Tuesday.
“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.”
PEOPLE reported that the Ohio native started his music career as a member of the 1970s group Revelation Funk before embarking on a solo career that “produced a string of hits in the ’80s, including his duet with Patti Austin, “Baby Come to Me,” and duet with Linda Ronstadt, “Somewhere Out There.”
Over the years, Ingram was nominated for 14 Grammys (including Best New Artist), winning two trophies for “One Hundred Ways” in 1981 and then again in 1984 for his duet with Michael McDonald, “Yah Mo B There.” He also co-wrote Michael Jackson’s hit song “P.Y.T.” with Quincey Jones and he appeared in the mega hit “We Are The World.”
Jones also took to Twitter to express his sadness around this profound loss.
“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,” he wrote.
Ingram is survived by his wife of 43 years, Debbie Robinson, and their six children.
Rest in power James. You will be missed.
1.
The bad news keeps coming today...💔
— Holly Robinson Peete😷🥰 (@hollyrpeete) January 29, 2019
Devastated to hear about the loss of one of my favorite singers and a great friend Mr. James Ingram. I remember asking him if he would sing at our 1995 wedding and he said he would be honored
Sending prayers to his family. #RIPJamesIngram 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/qqiqLPxU6r
2.
This beautiful tribute from the man that really knew him. RIP James Ingram. Thank you for your gorgeous voice. https://t.co/1VsDgseXQX
— Mario Cantone (@macantone) January 29, 2019
3.
The voice. The lyrics. “Maybe she has it...in her mind...that she’s just wasting her time. Ask her to stay. Find 100 ways.” #JamesIngram https://t.co/ILuJGmHSKm
— Sherrilyn Ifill (@Sifill_LDF) January 29, 2019
4.
His verse on Secret Garden is unparalleled... #JamesIngram https://t.co/otYNt2pa2B
— Leslie Mac (@LeslieMac) January 29, 2019
5.
6.
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
7.
RIP James Ingram. Thank you for some of the songs that filled our lives. pic.twitter.com/E9fapg8rB5
— Frederick Joseph (@FredTJoseph) January 29, 2019
8.
We lost another R&B legend James Ingram. Died at 66 and one of the major stars of R&B in the 1980's and 90's. I grew up listening to his music and one of my favorite singer. His music and legacy will definitely live on forever and ever RIP #JamesIngram pic.twitter.com/zKFKWe29BC
— Phillip Tucker (@MrPhillyT86) January 29, 2019
9.
So saddened to hear this. First met James when I was in Shalamar, he played on “Friends” album and co-wrote on another. Such a talent vocally and musically, a family man, witty and wise. My condolences to his family and friends 🙏🏽✨😔 Rest in Heaven James Ingram. https://t.co/Md3Wzdccw3
— JODY WATLEY (@jodywatley) January 29, 2019
10.
11.
RIP sweet James Ingram. Hearing your voice sing words and notes I made up is a gift I will cherish always. And I will never forget the laughs.
— Richard Marx (@richardmarx) January 29, 2019
12.
Rest in Power @JamesIngramsing https://t.co/ODzJWx3iYx
— Donnie Simpson (@DonnieSimpson) January 29, 2019
13.
How Do You Keep The Music Playing? Listen to and find 100 Ways to remember the great #JamesIngram, an American original. For those of us fortunate to have heard him sing, even if Just Once, knows that the Heavenly Chorus has a new lead singer.https://t.co/7lk6tO0tAR
— Sheila Jackson Lee (@JacksonLeeTX18) January 29, 2019
14.
Deeply saddens me. #JamesIngram one of the best to ever do it. Our family will miss him. https://t.co/ATAjuEIvKl
— Kim Fields (@KimVFields) January 29, 2019
15.
16.
2-time Grammy winning soul legend James Ingram passes away today. RIP my friend.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 29, 2019
17.
And James Ingram?! 66?! Fuck. This. Day.
— Barry Jenkins (@BarryJenkins) January 29, 2019
18.
James Ingram and Patti Austin ~ ‘Baby Come To Me’ ~ 1992💿
— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) January 29, 2019
What a voice. What a career. What a talent. What a life. Thank you and rest, James Ingram.🙏🏼 https://t.co/duiSgKYBr2
19.
RIP James Ingram. pic.twitter.com/Qdw5SZVqnu
— April (@ReignOfApril) January 29, 2019