As reported via Twitter by his longtime friend and creative partner, Debbie Allen, we regret to announce the passing of R&B singer, James Ingram. 

Allen tweeted, "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."

The 66-year-old was born in Akron, OH, but raised in Los Angeles, CA. Sources close to him say that he was battling cancer for quite some time. During the 80's, Ingram topped charts with "Baby Come To Me," along with Patti Austin, "Somewhere Out There" with Linda Ronstadt, and "Just Once." He won Grammys for best male R&B performance for "100 Ways" in 1981 and best R&B performance by a group/duo for "Yah Mo B There" in 1984, alongside Michael McDonald. In 1985, the singer-songwriter was a featured soloist during the "We Are The World" recording. He was also nominated for best original song at the Oscars, consecutively, for "The Day I Fall In Love" from Beethoven's 2nd in 1993 and "Look What Love Has Done" from Junior in 1994.

Ingram also worked closely with the legendary Quincy Jones, and is best known for co-writing Michael Jackson's hit, "P.Y.T." with Jones.