Net Worth Ranker
What Is James Ingram’s Net Worth?
At the time of his passing in 2019, James Ingram, the celebrated American singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer, had a net worth estimated at $20 million. This financial standing was primarily built through his successful career in the music industry, spanning decades and encompassing various avenues of income.
Early Career and Musical Beginnings
James Ingram’s journey into the music world began in Akron, Ohio, where he was born on February 16, 1952. He honed his musical talents from a young age, eventually securing a track scholarship to the University of Akron after attending East High School. In 1973, Ingram’s path led him to Los Angeles with the band Revelation Funk, marking a pivotal moment in his pursuit of a music career. While his bandmates returned to Ohio, James chose to remain in Los Angeles. He performing in R&B clubs, and working for ATV music publishing company as a demo singer, earning $50 per song.
Breakthrough and Rise to Fame
Ingram’s career gained significant momentum with his contributions to Quincy Jones’ 1981 album, “The Dude.” He lent his vocals to the tracks “One Hundred Ways” and “Just Once,” earning him three Grammy nominations. “One Hundred Ways” secured him the Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, marking his first major award win. His debut album, “It’s Your Night,” followed in 1983, achieving Gold certification and reaching #46 on the Billboard 200 chart and #10 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The singles “How Do You Keep the Music Playing?” (with Patti Austin) and “Yah Mo B There” (with Michael McDonald) became top 10 hits on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
Singles and Chart Success
James Ingram experienced remarkable success on the Billboard charts throughout his career. He achieved two #1 singles on the Hot 100 chart: “Baby, Come to Me” (with Patti Austin) and “I Don’t Have the Heart.” In total, he had eight Top 40 hits on the Hot 100, six Top 10 hits on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and nine Top 10 hits on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. His chart-topping success contributed significantly to James Ingram’s net worth.
Collaborations and Duets
Collaborations played a significant role in James Ingram’s career. His duet with Linda Ronstadt, “Somewhere Out There,” from the animated film “An American Tail,” reached the top 10 in multiple countries and earned a Gold certification in the U.S. He teamed up with Patti Austin for several successful duets, including “Baby, Come to Me” and “How Do You Keep the Music Playing?”. These collaborations broadened his reach and appeal, contributing to his overall earnings.
Studio Albums and Gospel Ventures
Ingram released a total of five studio albums throughout his career: “It’s Your Night” (1983), “Never Felt So Good” (1986), “It’s Real” (1989), “Always You” (1993), and “Stand” (2008). While his earlier albums performed well on the R&B charts, his 2008 album, “Stand,” marked a departure into the gospel genre, reaching #18 on the Top Gospel Albums chart. The success of these albums added to James Ingram’s net worth.
Songwriting and Award Nominations
Beyond his performances, James Ingram was a talented songwriter. He co-wrote “The Day I Fall in Love” for the film “Beethoven’s 2nd” (1993) and “Look What Love Has Done” for the film “Junior” (1994), earning Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for both songs. These nominations increased his recognition and potential earnings.
Real Estate Investments
In 1982, James Ingram invested in real estate, purchasing a 3,250 square foot home in the Hancock Park area of Los Angeles for $268,000. He owned this property for over three decades, eventually selling it for $1.6 million in 2016. This real estate transaction demonstrates a significant return on investment and a smart financial move that contributed to James Ingram’s net worth.
Awards and Recognition
James Ingram received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career. He earned 14 Grammy nominations, winning Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for “One Hundred Ways” in 1982 and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for “Yah Mo B There” (shared with Michael McDonald) in 1985. He also received “Soul Train” Award nominations for Best R&B/Urban Contemporary Single – Male for “I Don’t Have the Heart” and Best R&B/Urban Contemporary Single – Group, Band or Duo for “The Secret Garden (Sweet Seduction Suite)” (shared with Quincy Jones, El DeBarge, Al B. Sure!, and Barry White). These awards and nominations boosted his reputation and earning potential.
