James Ingram

A top R&B soul singer, James Ingram had a great deal of success in the 1980s and is still in his prime. Born in Akron, Ohio in 1956, Ingram began his career performing with Revelation Funk in the early 1970s. He moved to Los Angeles in 1973, where he worked as a session vocalist. Most notable was his work with Ray Charles, supplying backup vocals and piano. He was also the musical director for Leon Haywood. Ingram was discovered by Quincy Jones and in 1980 recorded “Just Once” on Jones’ The Dude album (which became a major hit), along with “One Hundred Ways.”

Ingram had his debut album as a leader in 1983, It’s Your Night. He also worked with Patti Austin (recording “Baby Come to Me” and “How Do You Keep the Music Playing”), Anita Baker, Michael McDonald, Nancy Wilson, Natalie Cole, Kenny Rogers and Linda Ronstadt. His duet recording with Ronstadt of “Somewhere Out There” (from the animated film An American Tail) was popular. In 1990 Ingram had a No. 1 pop hit with “I Don’t Have the Heart” from his It’s Real album and his 1994 composition “The Day I Fell in Love,” which he recorded as a duet with Dolly Parton, was the theme for the film Beethoven’s 2nd, nominated for an Academy Award. While best known for his warm and highly expressive vocals, Ingram also plays piano, keyboards, guitar, bass and drums.