James Ingram, ‘I Don’t Have the Heart’ Singer, Dies at 66

Singer reportedly died after battle with brain cancer

James Ingram
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James Ingram, the singer and songwriter whose hits included “I Don’t Have the Heart,” has died, his friend and creative partner Debbie Allen tweeted Tuesday.

Ingram was 66.

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

According to TMZ, Ingram died following a battle with brain cancer.

Born in Akron, Ohio, Ingram’s career took off in the early ’80s. Among his early work, Ingram’s vocal duties in 1981 on the Quincy Jones album “The Dude” earned him three Grammy nominations and one win, in the Best Male R&B Vocal Performance category.

Known for his collaborations with other artists, Ingram worked with an array of talent including Donna Summer, Ray Charles, Anita Baker, Nancy Wilson, Natalie Cole and Kenny Rogers.

As a songwriter, Ingram’s hits included “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing),” which he co-wrote with Jones, and which became a Top 10 single for Michael Jackson.

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