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…