Happy Birthday James Ingram

Birthday wishes to Grammy winning singer, songwriter and producer James Ingram who celebrates today (February 16).  James was born in Akron, OH and played the local clubs there before moving to Los Angeles, CA.  He got his professional start singing backup and playing the piano for Ray Charles' recording studio sessions; recording studio sessions and playing keyboards hehind the Coasters for Dick Clark; and recording backup vocals for his mentor, Marvin Gaye.  Ingram got his big break when he was hired by Quincy Jones to sing "Just Once" and "One Hundred Ways" on Quincy's multi-Grammy winning album The Dude.  In 1983 James released his debut solo album, It's Your Night, which featured "Yah Mo Be There," his Grammy winning duet with Michael McDonald.  His songwriting credits include the Michael Jackson hit "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" and, more recently, "Good Life" performed by rap artist Kanye West.  James will be performing tomorrow night in Manila, Philippines.