James Ingram death: Tributes paid after Grammy-winning singer dies, aged 66

He released five studio albums during his career

Grammy-winning singer James Ingram has died at the age of 66.

Ingram died following a battle with brain cancer, TMZ reports.

On Twitter, Ingram’s death was confirmed by actress and long-time friend Debbie Allen.

“I have lost my dearest friend and creative partner James Ingram to the Celestial Choir,” Allen wrote. “He will always be cherished, loved and remembered for his genius, his love of family and his humanity. I am blessed to have been so close. We will forever speak his name.”

The singer and songwriter, who was nominated for 14 Grammys in his lifetime, was well known for his hits including “Baby, Come to Me,” his duet sung with Patti Austin and “Yah Mo B There,” a duet sung with Michael McDonald, which won him a Grammy.

He also won a male vocal R&B performance Grammy for “One Hundred Ways.”

​Ingram’s career began at the age of 18, when he left his hometown of Akron, Ohio and moved to Los Angeles with his band Revelation Funk.

After the band disbanded and he became a solo artist, Ingram found himself working alongside Ray Charles and Marvin Gaye.

In 1981, he made a name for himself with his song “Just Once,” which Quincy Jones included on his album “The Dude.”

Just two years later, Ingram co-wrote the iconic Michael Jackson song PYT (Pretty Young Thing) – the same year he released his first solo album “It’s Your Night.”

During his decades-long career, which included the release of four more albums, Ingram also received two Oscar nominations for best original song for his theme songs from “Beethoven’s 2nd” and “Junior.”