You can’t possibly say you’re a R&B lover, if you’re not knowledgeable about James Ingram and his catalog. A lot of people seem to agree on the assumption that he was underrated. I don’t think so.

He was a force to be reckoned with in the 80s. Being a protege of Quincy Jones, James was one of the great voices of the 80s and early 90s. The tragic news of his death prompted me to create a post for James sooner than I thought it would be.

James Ingram is one of my favorite male R&B crooners, which is more than enough reasoning behind this appreciation post.

The world was first introduced to James on Quincy Jones’ 1981 album “The Dude.” The songs “Just Once” & “One Hundred Ways,” & the rest was history.

James first hit single came in the form of a duet with Patti Austin, “Baby Come To Me.” The Rod Temperton penned bop was number one on the pop charts due to the song being the theme song of a character on General Hospital. 🙌🏾 Timeless.

James’ rendition of the song with Anita Baker is beautiful as well!

James continued to release wonderful songs throughout his career!

It was one of the best R&B songs ever that featured James..that would place him as one of the best male musicians of all time.

Did you know that James wrote P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) with Quincy Jones? Now you do!

We deserved a duets album from James & Anita! This is my SONG.

It’s Your Night (1983):

Favorites: Yah Mo B There, Try Your Love Again, Party Animal, She Loves Me (The Best That I Can Be,) One More Rhythm, There’s No Easy Way, How Do You Keep the Music Playing?

James’ debut album is full of beautiful ballads. Produced by Quincy Jones, “It’s Your Night” shines with the hit single Yah Mo B There & the duet with Patti Austin “How Do You Keep the Music Playing?”

Never Felt So Good (1986):

Favorites: Always, Tuff, Trust Me, Crazy, Say Hey, Wings of My Heart, Lately, Love’s Been Here and Gone, Right Back.

Sophomore albums always don’t live up to the expectations that the debut set for audiences. James did not disappoint with this incredible record. Always is easily one of my favorite songs from him!

It’s Real (1989):

Favorites: I Don’t Have The Heart, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Man, Call On Me, It’s Real, Love Come Down, So Fine, When Was The Last Time Music Made You Cry, Baby Be Mine, Someday We’ll All Be Fine.

It’s Real is one of my favorite albums from James. The ballads on this record are not only stellar, but well produced if you ask me! His second & final number one record “I Don’t Have The Heart” is one of the highlights, along with his cover of Aretha Franklin’s (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman (well..man in his case).

Always You (1993):

Favorites: Always You, This is the Night, Any Kind of Love, Treat Her Right, Too Much for this Heart, Someone Like You, A Baby’s Born, You Never Know What You Got.

One of James Ingram’s best albums, Always You is a gem.

Stand (2008):

Favorites: Beneath The Snow, No Place Like Home, Stand (In The Light,) Yah Mo B There, Don’t Let Go, Mercy, Blessed Assurance, Everlast, For All We Know.

James final studio album was released 15 years after his last, & he still showcased how talented he was!

James Ingram lives on through his family and the music catalog he left behind. I will never fall short to remind people that his legacy matters. He was a talented vocalist. Everyone doesn’t have the range, but he did. RIP legend. 🙌🏾