Legendary music producer Quincy Jones called Ingram his “baby brother” and said “there are no words to convey how much my heart aches.”
Quincy Jones statement on James Ingram pic.twitter.com/hkGXvypvhe
— Jon Caramanica (@joncaramanica) January 29, 2019
Longtime friend Debbie Allen confirmed the tragic news earlier on social media.
“I have lost my dearest friend and creative partner James Ingram to the Celestial Choir,” she posted. “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,” she said.
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
Ingram, an Ohio native, was a huge R&B star during the 1980s and 90s with hits like “Baby Come to Me,” “I Don’t Have the Heart,” “Just Once” and “One Hundred Ways.”
He was a two-time Grammy Award winner and a two-time Oscar nominee who collaborated with big name stars like Jones, Ray Charles, Anita Baker, Michael Jackson and Michael McDonald, to name a few.
Ingram is survived by his wife, Debra Robinson, according to WJW-TV.
Credit: Earl Gibson III
Credit: Earl Gibson III
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