JAMES INGRAM

Versatile soul musician and acclaimed vocalist, James Ingram and Quincy have collaborated in many ways, including their stunning “cold open” of the 1984 Grammy Award telecast, performing “Just Once.” He co-wrote “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)”, recorded by Michael Jackson on his blockbuster Thriller. James and Quincy’s other hits include “Secret Garden” (written and produced by Quincy), which hit #1 on the Billboard AC chart and “One Hundred Ways” for which James won the Grammy for Best R&B Vocal.Says Jones of Ingram, ““With that husky voice, James is a monster, and we haven’t stopped since the Grammys!”

Music icon, multi Grammy award-winner and back-to-back Oscar nominee, James Ingram inspires and touches the hearts of millions of listeners worldwide through his abundant gifts as a singer, performer, songwriter, composer, arranger and producer.

From funk to soul to R&B to pop to adult contemporary to inspirational, James Ingram’s multi-faceted talents have dazzled the American music scene since the early ’80s. The Akron, Ohio, native went from playing local bars with Revelation Funk to Los Angeles, where he landed the types of gigs that most aspiring musicians only dream about: singing background vocals and playing piano for Ray Charles’ recording studio sessions.

Then fate brought Ingram together with Quincy Jones and to a pivotal breakthrough in his career. Up to this point, Ingram had not yet surfaced as a solo artist, but after a chance listen to Ingram’s demo of “Just Once” — which had been recorded for the sum of $50 — Jones immediately recognized the man, the voice and the music as the musical triumvirate that would both captivate listeners and command the music industry’s attention.

Jones quickly chose Ingram to perform both “Just Once” and “One Hundred Ways” on Jones’ upcoming album, The Dude. Released in 1980, The Dude was a multi-platinum international success and resulted in three Grammy nominations for Ingram: Best New Artist, Best Pop Male Vocal, and Best R&B Vocal for “One Hundred Ways,” for which he won his first Grammy. The award marked the first and only time that an artist won a Grammy without having his own album in release. The Dude remains the most Grammy-nominated album in history, and marked the first of 15 nominations Ingram has received to date.

The blessings of success also have allowed Ingram to pursue two of his personal passions: humanitarian work and composition for live theater. In 1987, Ingram was hand-picked by Quincy Jones to perform in “We are the World,” which raised more than $100 million in aid for those suffering from famine in Africa.

Faith and family are Ingram’s main sources of inspiration, driving his industry achievements; legendary collaborations with revered mentors and peers; humanitarian work; and celebrated performances at some of the most-high-profile events of our time, including The Oscars, The Grammy Awards and The Super Bowl. The son of a Deacon, Ingram is one of six children and a self-taught musician, adept at piano, guitar, bass, drums and synthesizer. Today, he makes his home in Los Angeles with Debbie, his wife of 35 years, and their six children.

“Music is an important part of my life, Ingram notes, “but it’s not all of my life…my family’s my life.  I never confuse who I am with what I do.”