Luther Ingram has died at the age of 69. The R&B singer's death was a result of diabetes and kidney disease. His wife of 46 years, Jacqui, also confirms that her husband had been suffering from partial blindness for a long time.

The Tennessee-native, who was at one time roommates with Jimi Hendrix, recorded several hits throughout the years including "If Loving You Is Wrong, I Don't Want To Be Right," "I'll Be Your Shelter" and "You Never Miss Your Water."

"If Loving You Is Wrong" eventually took the top spot on the R&B charts of Billboard magazine.

Ingram also co-wrote the Staple Singers' biggest hit "Respect Yourself," in 1971, which was motivated by his desire to see black men give themselves more self-respect.

Deanie Parker, who worked with Stax Records in the past, described the soul singer as "a soft-spoken, quiet, person that I think relished peace. He was a very intense singer; he took it very seriously. When he was rehearsing, he'd go over it and over it and seek perfection."

Ingram continued performing across the country until the mid-1990s when health problems brought his career to an end.

According to AP, his friend Bernie Hayes, who is also the author of "The Death Of Black Radio," said, "He was a big name until (singer) Luther Vandross came onto the scene." (source)

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