Ingram went from playing local bars with Revelation Funk to Los Angeles, where he landed the types of gigs that most aspiring musicians only dream about: singing background vocals and playing piano for Ray Charles’ recording studio sessions; recording studio sessions and playing keyboards behind the Coasters for Dick Clark; and recording background vocals for his mentor, Marvin Gaye.
Then fate brought Ingram together with Quincy Jones and to a pivotal breakthrough in his career. Up to this point, Ingram had not yet surfaced as a solo artist, but after a chance listen to Ingram’s demo of “Just Once” — which had been recorded for the sum of $50 — Jones immediately recognized the man, the voice and the music as the musical triumvirate that would both captivate listeners and command the music industry’s attention.
Jones quickly chose Ingram to perform both “Just Once” and “One Hundred Ways” on Jones’ upcoming album, The Dude. Released in 1980, The Dude was a multi-platinum international success and resulted in three Grammy nominations for Ingram: Best New Artist, Best Pop Male Vocal, and Best R&B Vocal for “One Hundred Ways,” for which he won his first Grammy. Ingram also made Grammy history when — in his first live performance ever as a singer — he performed “Just Once” as the telecast’s opening act and became the first artist to open a Grammy ceremony with a ballad and the only artist to win a Grammy without having his own album in release. The Dude remains the most Grammy-nominated album in history and marked the first of 15 nominations Ingram has received to date (see attached award list and discography for complete information).
After this stunning debut, Ingram’s much-anticipated 1983 solo album, It’s Your Night, surpassed industry expectations. The album was the debut for the Michael McDonald collaboration “Yah Mo Be There,” (Ingram’s 2nd Grammy) which was honored with the Grammy for Best R&B Performance for a Group or Duo, and “There’s No Easy Way” was considered one of the year’s stand-out ballads. It’s Your Night sold nearly one million copies; secured an unprecedented achievement by appearing simultaneously on both The Top 20 Pop and The Top 5 R&B Charts. Ultimately, “Yah Mo Be There” became the most-played song of the year.
Ingram’s talents as a songwriter and performer were tapped by some of the most celebrated artists of the era, most prominent was his “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” for Michael Jackson’s Thriller (1982), which sold more than 50 million units,. He performed “Baby Come To Me,” with Patti Austin (1984) on her debut album, which went on to become a No. 1 Pop record. Other chart-topping, Top 10 collaborations include “The Secret Garden,” the No.1 hit with Barry White, Al B. Sure and El Debarge on Quincy Jones’ multi-platinum Back on the Block album, (1990). James, as a song writer is timeless he received Grammy recognition for his participation on the song entitled “Good Life”, in the “Best Rap Song” category, performed by Kanye West (featuring T-Pain) in 2007.
Hollywood soon called for Ingram’s wide-ranging songwriting and vocal abilities and several hit singles for blockbuster motion and animated pictures followed. “How Do You Keep The Music Playing” — a songwriting collaboration between Michel Legrand and Marilyn and Alan Bergman, performed by Ingram and Patti Austin — was featured in Best Friends (1982) and received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group as well as an Academy Award nomination in the Original Song category.
Other important contributions to feature films include “Don’t Make Me No Never Mind,” co-written with Quincy Jones and Roy Gaines for Steven Spielberg’s The Color Purple (1985), and Ingram’s duet with Anita Baker, “When You Love Someone,” by Bryan Adams, for Forget Paris (1995). “Somewhere Out There,” performed by Ingram and Linda Ronstadt for Steven Spielberg’s animated American Tail (1986) also received a Grammy for Song of the Year. Then 1993 and 1994 brought Ingram back-to-back Academy Award nominations. His duets with Dolly Parton, “The Day I Fall in Love,” featured in Beethoven 2 (1993), and Anita Baker, “Look What Love Has Done,” the theme song from Junior (1994), were songwriting collaborations with Carole Bayer Sager and recognized in Oscar’s Original Song category.
The '90s were a fruitful decade for Ingram, who began it by co-producing “I Don’t Have the Heart” with Thom Bell — the first and only time Bell has co-produced on any project — and taking it to No. 1 in 1990. In 1999, Ingram released Forever More: The Best of James Ingram, which included some of his biggest hits as well as new material
Worldwide acclaim has led to concert tours in the U.S. and abroad, where he continues to play before sold-out stadiums in The Philippines, Japan, Singapore, Dubai, Brunei, Indonesia and Hong Kong. Fans at home have been able to see Ingram perform live everywhere from Compton to The White House.
The blessings of success also have allowed Ingram to pursue two of his personal passions: humanitarian work and composition for live theater. In 1987, Ingram was hand-picked by Quincy Jones to perform in “We are the World,” the universal gift and legendary singing and fund-raising effort from the recording industry, which raised more than $100 million in aid for those suffering from famine in Africa. Ingram also continues to work with long-time collaborator, choreographer/ producer Debbie Allen on a number of musical projects. Most recently, they partnered on Stand (In the Light) and several musical theater works including "Brothers of the Night, “The Legend” and “Alex in Wonderland."
Faith and family are Ingram’s main sources of inspiration, driving his industry achievements; legendary collaborations with revered mentors and peers; humanitarian work; and celebrated performances at some of the most-high-profile events of our time, including The Oscars, The Grammy Awards and The Super Bowl. The son of a Deacon, Ingram is one of six children and a self-taught musician, adept at piano, guitar, bass, drums and synthesizer. He made his home in Los Angeles with Debbie, his wife of 36 years, and their six children.
Get Ready
James Ingram Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Baby turn off the telephone.
Now its time to forget the day you’ve been through.
You don’t say much but now we’re here alone.
There’s just one thing left to do oh woman
You better get ready to give love tonight.
Lay back, relax and let me do it right. lady,
Just leave the rest up to me.
Listen. don’t say a word, baby,
I’ve got this evening planned.
I’m here for you, body and soul.
Just put yourself completely in my hands.
‘coz your pleasure is my goal.
Oh uh oh woman
You better get ready (get yourself ready) to give love tonight.
Lay back, relax and let me do it right.
Baby get ready to give love tonight.
Just leave the rest up to me.
Baby better keep the fantasies again.
I’m gonna dedicate myself to making each one come true.
Girl, you’ve given me so many nights I’ll never forget.
I want you to have this one just for you.
Wohoo
Oh you better get ready. I’m gonna love you.
Lay back relax and I’m gonna do it right.
Darlin’, darlin’ baby won’t just go easy to me.
I’m gonna love you.
I’m gonna hold you.
I’m gonna do you right.
You better get ready to give love tonight.
Lay back, relax and let me do it right.
Lady, get ready to give love tonight.
Just leave the rest up to me.
In James Ingram's "Get Ready," the singer sets the tone for a romantic evening with his partner. He starts by asking her to turn off the lights and the phone, encouraging her to forget the stress of her day. He assures her that he has everything planned out and asks her to trust him with her body and soul. The point of this song is to encourage the singer's partner to let go and allow him to show her just how much he loves her. The lyrics are sensual and erotic, but they emphasize the loving and caring nature of the relationship.
One of the most interesting facts about this song is that James Ingram co-wrote it with producer Quincy Jones. The two were big collaborators in the 80s, and they penned a number of hits together, including "Just Once." Another fascinating aspect of this song is James Ingram's background. He was born in Akron, Ohio, and grew up singing in the church choir. He later moved to Los Angeles and became a session musician for some of the biggest names in pop music, including Michael Jackson, Ray Charles, and Lionel Richie. Ingram's soulful voice and impeccable musical instincts helped make him one of the most sought-after artists of his generation.
"Get Ready" was released in 1983 and became a top 10 hit on the US R&B charts. It was also included on Ingram's album "It's Your Night," which featured collaborations with Michael McDonald and Patti Austin. The album was a commercial success, and it helped establish Ingram as one of the leading R&B artists of the 80s. Ingram's career continued to flourish throughout the decade, and he recorded a number of hit songs, including "Yah Mo B There" with Michael McDonald and "Somewhere Out There" with Linda Ronstadt.
Overall, "Get Ready" is a classic R&B love song that features James Ingram's smooth and soulful vocals. The lyrics are sensual and romantic, but they emphasize the importance of trust and communication in a relationship. This song remains a fan favorite to this day and continues to be played on radio stations and at weddings and other special occasions around the world.
Chords:
Verse: F#m, D, A, E
Chorus: F#m, D, A, E, F#m, D, E
Line by Line Meaning
Turn down the lights,
Dim the lights to create a romantic environment
Baby turn off the telephone.
Get rid of all distractions to fully focus on each other
Now its time to forget the day you’ve been through.
Let go of any stress or worries from the day and focus on the moment
You don’t say much but now we’re here alone.
Enjoy the silence without feeling the need to constantly talk
There’s just one thing left to do oh woman
The purpose of this moment is clear
You better get ready to give love tonight.
Prepare yourself emotionally and physically for a romantic encounter
Lay back, relax and let me do it right. lady,
Trust your partner to take care of you and your needs
Just leave the rest up to me.
Let your partner take control and lead the way
Listen. don’t say a word, baby,
Stop talking and focus on the moment
I’ve got this evening planned.
Your partner has put thought and effort into creating this romantic encounter
I’m here for you, body and soul.
Your partner is fully present and committed to this moment
Just put yourself completely in my hands.
Trust your partner and allow yourself to fully let go
‘coz your pleasure is my goal.
Your partner's focus is on making you feel good
Baby better keep the fantasies again.
Encourage your partner to share their desires and fantasies
I’m gonna dedicate myself to making each one come true.
Your partner is committed to fulfilling your fantasies and desires
Girl, you’ve given me so many nights I’ll never forget.
Express gratitude for the memorable moments shared
I want you to have this one just for you.
Focus on making this moment special for your partner
Oh you better get ready. I’m gonna love you.
Prepare for a passionate and romantic encounter
Darlin’, darlin’ baby won’t just go easy to me.
Your partner is fully invested and committed to making this moment special
I’m gonna hold you.
Physical touch and embrace is an important element of this moment
I’m gonna do you right.
Your partner is focused on making you feel good and satisfied
Lady, get ready to give love tonight.
Encouragement to mentally and physically prepare for a romantic encounter
Just leave the rest up to me.
Trust your partner to take care of you and the moment
Contributed by Skyler C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
garfield walker
Rip Mr Ingram,your music will live on forever!
William.Harris@gmail.com Harris
Rip Mr Ingram you and your voice will truly be missed.
Phyllis Ntebaleng Rasibone Mhlongo
May your soul rest in ever lasting peace😟 Mr J Ingram...thank you😇🙏🏽 for your gift of soulful music😍
ronald antoine
WOW HADN'T HEARD THIS TRACK SINCE THE 90'S. SO GLAD TO HAVE YOU TUBE TO PLAY ALL THOSE OLDIES BUT GOODIES....JAMES INGRAM AT HIS BEST AGAIN!!
jdsuertudo
RIP, Mr. Ingram. You have brought me great joy. Thank you....
Nicole Pleasant-Posey
I can't believe you're gone. This is my favorite song!!! Rest Easy James
Wilson Harris
God has blessed this brother to sing from the mind, heart & soul. Pray that he put out a gospel album. Blessing upon blessings
Lillie Cabarrus
God called him home to rest now he singing to him , we will have to enjoy the music he has made
Mr Maxxx
This cut still moves and grooves, respect James Ingram music
Neisha J
One of my favorite James Ingram songs!