James Ingram

James Ingram (born February 16, 1956 in Akron, Ohio) is an American soul musician, famous for his vocal performance. He is also a producer and songwriter. As a self-taught musician who plays piano, guitar, bass, drums and synthesizer, Ingram began his career in the 70's as part of the band Revelation Funk. During this time, Ingram developed a reputation in the Los Angeles area as a session vocalist, and came to the attention of ex-Motown songwriter and producer Lamont Dozier. Dozier invited Ingram to contribute vocals to some material; one such song, "Love's Calling," garnered some airplay. The remainder of the material surfaced in 1980 on an album entitled Zingara. In 1980, Ingram provided the vocals to "Just Once" and "One Hundred Ways" on Quincy Jones's album The Dude. Ingram's debut album, It’s Your Night, appeared in 1983, including the ballad "There’s No Easy Way." He also worked with other great musical artists such as Ray Charles, Michael McDonald, Patti Austin, Natalie Cole, and Kenny Rogers. His biggest hit was "Somewhere Out There," a duet with Linda Ronstadt on the soundtrack to the 1986 film An American Tail. He also won a 1985 Grammy Award for "Yah Mo B There," a duet with Michael McDonald. He co-wrote "PYT" that was recorded by Michael Jackson on his blockbuster "Thriller"