Yesterday afternoon, Clay Aiken posted a special tweet:
As a teenager, there were few (if any) singers whose voice I wanted to emulate more than the stunning
#JamesIngram I wore out every single one of his CDs. The angel choir got one of Earth’s greatest singers today. I’m truly saddened by this loss.#HowDoYouKeepTheMusicPlaying ?
Yes, James Ingram, one of the biggest stars in R&B music in the 1980s and ’90s, and a double Grammy winner and two-time Oscar nominee, died at age 66.
According to Billboard:
During his decades-long career, Ingram moved many with his soulful voice, earning two Grammys and two No. 1 songs on the Billboard Hot 100. He also helped write songs recorded by Michael Jackson and Ray Charles.
Besides his beautiful singing, Ingram was a wonderful songwriter. He collected several hits with an impressive roster of artists including Ray Charles, Michael Jackson, and the Pointer Sisters, among others. He made a lasting impact on the music industry.
Billboard wrote a beautiful article about Ingram. They included the Clay Aiken tweet in a list of celebrities who wrote about James.
One song that Ingram was famous for writing was Somewhere Out There. It was written for the animated film, An American Tail.
Clay sang this touching song two times on American Idol. The first time was on the Top 11 – Movie Soundtracks Night. The other time was on an hour show called “Halfway Home”. Both times, Clay sang with passion and beauty.
I know I posted this song not long ago…however, the song is a tribute to James Ingram and it is especially beautiful when Clay sings it!
Our condolences to the Ingram family and friends. It is always sad when we lose a special talent. And as Clay said:
The angel choir got one of Earth’s greatest singers…
It was such sad news to hear of James Ingram's death. He had a most beautiful voice and
"Somewhere Out There" was one of my husband's favorite songs – I wish he had lived long enough to hear Clay sing it. He died the day before AI's Season 2. 16 years ago.
My love and prayers to Mr. Ingrams family and to Clay. <3
Hi Marlene, I had no idea your husband died the day before AI season 2 started. The pain never goes away. Love reading your comments here, my Dear Friend. xxx
Thank you so very much, Margaret -what you say is so true – I am always glad to hear from you – you are such a dear and exceptional friend to me, too! <3
Really loved watching this video, Clay sung this magical song so beautifully. Sympathy to the James Ingram family.
Clay's tweet of James Ingram was heart-wrenching! James you will be solely missed!
Thank you, CANN for posting this awesome video of OMC performing SOT!
Thank you for the video. This is one of my favorite songs. Clay's voice is beautiful with the words touches the heart.James Ingram voice is one of the angels.
I was so shocked when I herd of james ingam passing my deepist condolences go to the james ingram family and I have to also say that clays tweet was very heart renching you will inded be missed james ingram