Tributes continue to pour in for Grammy-winning R&B legend James Ingram who died on Tuesday, January 29.
The singer/songwriter died aged 66 after battling brain cancer for an extended period.
Ingram, who moved many with his soulful voice during his decades-long career, has two Grammys to his name and 14 nominations.
Celebrities such as Quincy Jones, Kenny Lattimore, Maxwell are among those who have paid tribute to the soul legend.
Ingram’s passing has also been felt closer home, with a host of musicians and fans of the R&B legend taking to social media to pay tribute to the “I Don’t Have the Heart” singer.
Kenyan radio King, Maina Kageni, who is arguably one of the biggest fans of James Ingram, was among those who mourned the singer with a heartfelt post on social media.
In his tribute, the Classic 105 FM presenter recalled hosting James Ingram and his wife, Debra, on his radio show.
“James Edward Ingram….. what a VOICE!!! What a songwriter!! You told me that a songwriter with an ear for a killer melody was a songwriter after your own heart…. aaahhh…. you’re gone…. couples met through your music as “Party Animals”, broke up when you told them that “There’s No Easy Way (To Break Somebody’s Heart)”, got back together when you and Linda Ronstadt were looking for somebody “Somewhere Out There”… they fell in love again when you promised them that they’d be together “Forever More”…. they got married to your music… they promised ” One Hundred Ways” to love each other… You said to me that your biggest regret was never working with Babyface…. Only God knows why…. that would have been too much to take!!!!!!! But you worked with the best (Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Linda Ronstadt, Michael McDonald)…. You had a voice that resonated through generations because forget Reggae for now, but because NOBODY CAN STOP A GREAT SONGWRITER!!! You came to Kenya, came onto my show with your beautiful wife Debra, who told me that she couldn’t stand your singing all over the house!!! Can’t win ’em all, can you? ??? I’m sad that you’re gone, mostly because YOU WERE THE SOUNDTRACK TO MY LIFE!!! But you made my little world a lot better… and a whole lot bigger… Thank you, Mr Ingram… “I Don’t Have The Heart” to say goodbye…… but I pray that you get the just reward your gift gave us….. you trusted your art, your voice and YOURSELF!!! I trust that you’ll be good… after all, like you sang, “Yah Mo Be There”!!!!!! Rest well, JAMES INGRAM…. rest well…. and THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC!!!!!!!!! #RIPJamesIngram#ThankYouForTheMusic #RIP.”
Check out some more tributes below:
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. I am blessed to have been so close. We will forever speak his name.❤️ pic.twitter.com/TDJfpbbJWa
— Debbie Allen (@msdebbieallen) January 29, 2019
2019 needs to chill. Rest easy James Ingram ????? pic.twitter.com/h1UxapbOhy
— SAUTI SOL (@sautisol) January 30, 2019
Today I celebrate the life of James Ingram. His unmistakable voice and songwriting genius set a standard of excellence for me… James Ingram paved the way for me to sing love songs with intent and authenticity. ?? pic.twitter.com/L0cMK2s1UV
— Kenny Lattimore (@kennylattimore) January 29, 2019
I mourn James Ingram. May his soul Rest In Peace. A legend he will always be. pic.twitter.com/IUeEtdkrGM
— Hon. William Kabogo (@honkabogo) January 30, 2019
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Oh I loved James Ingram. Grew up listening to his music! RIP “It’s your night.” “No easy way.” “Ya Mo Be There.” pic.twitter.com/EV2gIdcVKK
— Carol Radull (@CarolRadull) January 30, 2019
RIP the great James Ingram, a vocalist all vocalists looked up to
— josh groban (@joshgroban) January 29, 2019
