US RnB singer and songwriter James Ingram has died in Los Angeles at the age of 66. The Grammy winner and Oscar nominee had two number one hit songs, in 1983 and 1990.
He also co-wrote Michael Jackson’s Pretty Young Things with frequent collaborator Quincy Jones.
Actress and friend Debbie Allen announced his death on her Twitter page, saying she was “blessed to have been so close” to him.
Entertainment news site TMZ reports Ingram had been suffering from brain cancer.
Born in Ohio in 1952, Ingram later moved to Los Angeles and began his career with the band Revelation Funk. He also played keyboards for Ray Charles before his own musical career took off.
Ingram won his second Grammy for the song Yah Mo B There which he sang with Michael McDonald.
His first number one hit was the duet Baby, Come To Me with singer Patti Austin, and he would again top the charts with I Don’t Have The Heart.
The singer-songwriter also worked on film soundtracks.
May his soul rest in peace, amen!