Written by the iconic songwriting duo , "Just Once" was originally intended for jazz guitarist George Benson. Ingram was hired simply to sing the demo so the writers could pitch it to producer Quincy Jones .
Released as a single in September 1981, "Just Once" became a massive crossover hit: Peaked at #17. Adult Contemporary Chart: Reached #7. JAMES INGRAM - JUST ONCE "1981" (*1952 - 2019)
The song’s cultural impact was further cemented by its use in the final scene of the 1982 film The Last American Virgin , where it heightened one of cinema's most famous moments of unrequited love. Remembering James Ingram (1952 – 2019) Go to product viewer dialog for this item. Quincy Jones - Dude (CD) Written by the iconic songwriting duo , "Just
"Just Once" is a raw, introspective look at a relationship caught in a cycle of "best efforts" that never quite reach the finish line. Its opening lines are among the most recognizable in pop history: "I did my best, but I guess my best wasn't good enough." Adult Contemporary Chart: Reached #7
The Voice That Defined an Era: James Ingram’s "Just Once" (1981)