James Ingram: Grammy-winning R&B singer whose talent was harnessed by Quincy Jones

• James Ingram was the popular American R&B singer of the 1980s and early 1990s and a master of duets with other top artists – according to Billboard, sales of his songs have skyrocketed 6,500 per cent since his death two weeks ago. Known for his soulful baritone voice and his smooth collaborations with such performers as Patti Austin, Linda Ronstadt and Michael McDonald, Ingram became a singer almost by accident. A versatile musician who played keyboard instruments, guitar and drums, he was a member of R&B star Ray Charles’s band in the 1970s.