 James IngramJames
Ingram was born in Akron, Ohio. He attended Akron Public Schools and graduated from Akron
Central High School.
He is best-known as a vocalist. He is also a self-taught
musician who plays piano, guitar, bass, drums and keyboards. He began his career in the
'70s as part of the Akron-based, Revelation Funk band.
During the late ‘70’s and early ‘80’s,
James did session work at various studios in Los Angeles where he was discovered by the
renowned music producer Quincy Jones. In 1981, he provided vocals for "Just
Once" and "One Hundred Ways" on Jones' album The Dude and won a
Grammy award for best R&B vocal performance for his work.
He went to No. 1 on the pop charts with Patti Austin on
"Baby, Come to Me" and earned an Oscar nomination for their second duet,
"How Do You Keep the Music Playing?" which was featured in the movie "Best
Friends." A few years later, he won a 1985 Grammy Award for "Yah Mo B
There," a duet with Michael McDonald.
Ingram performed two solos on the 1985 recording and video
of "We Are the World." He also co-wrote "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)"
which was recorded by Michael Jackson on his blockbuster Thriller.
Today, James Ingram continues to perform around the world
and appears on many recordings, television and movies projects. He is married to his
childhood sweetheart, and fellow Akronite, Debbie Robinson. They have six children. |
