LOS ANGELES (Top40 Charts/ Intering Records/ WEA) - As the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina passes and new storms
Hannah and Ike simmer and brew offshore, another force of nature is on the move. Legendary singer/songwriter and multiple Grammy Award winner
James Ingram returns to his roots with the completion of his first all inspirational CD, the much anticipated Stand (In The Light) (Intering Records/Music One/WEA) in stores October 14, 2008.
Inspired by the plight of Hurricane Katrina victims, Stand features new works and "Yah Mo Be There" - Ingram's unforgettable, Grammy Award-winning 1983 classic collaboration with Michael McDonald - and is the natural progression in a career grounded in faith and blessed with the influence and mentorship of some of the seminal forces in American music history from Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway and Stevie Wonder, to Quincy Jones.
STAND (In the Light) for James is a bridge over troubled water, in troubled times and the Akron, Ohio native adds, "When you get to the other side, know that God got you there, so turn around and help someone else". "My father, who was a deacon in the church and also, my Sunday School Teacher, taught me about faith. Although my life has been through ups and downs, I have never been discouraged, because of my faith in God".
The first single from the new CD is Mercy, an original collaboration with dance maven Debbie Allen. Old and new blend seamlessly on the ten track disc with familiar favorites such as: Blessed Assurance, Everything Must Change, with new songs like Don't Let Go and No Place Like Home.
"The creative genious and unique voice of James Ingram has distingued him as one of the most recognizable, respected, and loved artists in the world today. It's been a blessing for me to work with him and be inspired byhim. This album speaks of who he is as a man. A man whose heart beats for his family, his communnity...the world," Debbie Allen said.
James began this inspirational journey with his first CD, It's Your Night, produced by Quincy Jones. He won a Grammy for Yah-Mo Be There (interpreted: GOD WILL BE THERE), for "Best Duo or Group". This song was the most played song of that year. Before Warner Bros. Records released this song, there was skepticism about changing the name and Quincy Jones was asked if he could convince James to change the name of the song. Ingram responded "No", and informed Warner Bros. that he believed in the Word of God and this was his testimony.
