Interviewee: James Ingram
Interview: Tavis Smiley
Date: April 08, 2009

James Ingram is an American songwriter and performer best known as a vocalist. Born in Akron, Ohio, he is the voice behind some of the most memorable ballads such as Just Once, One Hundred Ways, I Don’t Have the Heart, and Somewhere Out There. A multi-awarded musician, he has performed a collection of songs that range from funk, pop, R&B, and inspirational music.

James Ingram started his career with Akron-based band Revelation Funk in the 1970s. His soulful vocals attracted the attention of songwriter-producer Lamont Dozier, who asked him to lend vocals to some songs, including Love’s Calling. It was in 1981 when James Ingram gained national attention with his vocal rendition of two songs in Quincy Jones’ album The Dude, Just Once and One Hundred Ways. This would earn him three Grammy nominations for Best New Artist, Best R & B Vocal, and Best Pop Male Vocal. His Grammy win for One Hundred Ways made him the first artist to ever achieve so without releasing his own album. Throughout his career, James Ingram would receive a total of 14 Grammy nominations.

Following his success at the Grammys, Ingram released his debut album It’s Your Night in 1983, which featured collaborations with Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, Anita Baker, and Kenny Rogers. The single I Don’t Have the Heart topped the charts in 1990.

His collaborations with various artists became huge hits. Some of his most successful works were Baby, Come to Me and How Do You Keep the Music Playing with Patti Austin, the latter landing an Oscar nomination. He also had award-winning team-ups, such as the Grammy winner Yah Mo B There with Michael McDonald in 1985 and Somewhere Out There with Linda Ronstadt in 1987.

James Ingram also lends his voice to humanitarian causes. He performed on the 1985 recording and video of the song We Are the World, in an effort to raise funds to provide aid to Africa.