James Ingram: R&B artist who co-wrote Michael Jackson hit PYT dies at 66

R&B artist James Ingram, a two-time Grammy award winner who co-wrote Michael Jackson's Pretty Young Thing, has died aged 66.

The American singer-songwriter had two US number ones, Baby, Come To Me (1983) and I Don't Have The Heart (1990).

He co-wrote Jackson's hit PYT with Quincy Jones and also wrote singer Patty Smyth's Look What Love Has Done from the movie Junior (1994).

Ingram's friend, Grey's Anatomy actress Debbie Allen, announced his death on Twitter.

"I have lost my dearest friend and creative partner James Ingram to the Celestial Choir," she tweeted.

"He will always be cherished, loved and remembered for his genius, his love of family and his humanity."

In a statement, producer Jones, 85, said: "There are no words to convey how much my heart aches with the news of the passing of my baby brother James Ingram.

"With that soulful, whisky-sounding voice, James Ingram was simply magical."

The cause of Ingram's death has not been revealed, though US site TMZ reported he had died from a form of brain cancer.

Born in the US state of Ohio, Ingram launched his music career with the band Revelation Funk and later played keyboard for soul pioneer Ray Charles.

His rise to stardom came after he sang on the songs Just Once and One Hundred Ways on an album recorded by Jones.

Ingram earned three Grammy nominations for the works, including Best New Artist, winning for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 1981.

In 1985, he won a second Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group for the hit Yah Mo B There with R&B musician Michael McDonald.

He was nominated for 14 Grammys throughout his career, as well as two Golden Globes and two Oscars.

Ingram also recorded the song Somewhere Out There with fellow singer Linda Ronstadt for the animated film An American Tail, with both the song and music video becoming huge hits.

He collaborated with high-profile artists including Donna Summer, Viktor Lazlo and Natalie Cole.

"Ingram's rich voice and masterful songwriting has made a lasting impact on the music industry," the Recording Academy, the organisation behind the Grammys, said in a statement.

"Our thoughts go out to his loved ones during this difficult time."