Wow. Was and still a HUGE fan. If you don't have it, go out and get his album "All Fly Home". That was my introduction to his music waaaaay back in the day. I still play that album. Also, Brenda Russell's song "Way Back When" was written for him. She's was basically saying that when she first saw him in the small clubs, she knew he was going to be famous.
When those artists above leave this Earth, those will be some tough days for me. Bob James would really hit me hard, because his music - and Al Jarreau's music - has carried me through some good and bad times. I was fortunate to be able to meet Bob James and tell him so.