One of my all time favorite singers passed away a couple of weeks ago. Luther Vandross passed away on July 1, 2005. Luther had a stroke in April 2003 and never fully recovered. Reading about his death saddened me. Luther was one of a few R&B singers who endured throughout the many changes in music. If you mentioned the name Luther most folks knew who you were talking about. Most of his fans knew him on a first name basis. Many of us lived and loved his music. His love songs were like no one else's love songs.
I bought his first solo album "Never Too Much" when it was released in 1981. I wore that album out. I still have it. I finally bought the cd last year. The entire album is excellent. Never Too Much consisted of such hits as "A House Is Not a Home," "I've Been Working," "Don't You Know That" and of course the title track "Never Too Much." Haven't checked my album, cassette and cd collection lately but I own most of his music. Some of his other albums/cd's include "Forever, For Always, For Love," "Busy Body," "The Night I Fell In Love," "Give Me The Reason," "Any Love," "Power Of Love," "Songs," his Christmas album "This Is Christmas" and his last cd "Dance With My Father." There are numerous greatest hits collections but in my opinion his best is "The Best of Luther Vandross…The Best of Love." This 2 cd set contains all his hits from 1981 to 1989 and it also includes his hits with the group Change.
Luther Vandross was born in New York City on April 20, 1951. He had 2 older sisters and an older brother. After dropping out of Western Michigan University he started singing backup for David Bowie, Carly Simon, Barbara Streisand and Bette Midler. He also did commercial jingles for Kentucky Fried Chicken, Burger King and Coca Cola to name a few. Epic Records signed him to a contract in 1980 and the following year "Never Too Much" was released. Throughout his career Luther sold over 25 million records, won 8 Grammy Awards and earned 14 platinum albums.
While many music artists have come and gone, Luther's career lasted for over two decades. Even 20 to 30 years from now his music will still be listened to. Luther was the ultimate in R&B. To me there will never be another Luther Vandross. He will be missed but I'm sure he's singing with the angels right now. R.I.P. Luther.
The following article appeared in the May 8, 2006 issue of Jet Magazine
The following article appeared in the September 2005 issue of Ebony Magazine
The following article appeared in the July 15, 2005 issue of Entertainment Weekly Magazine
The following article appeared in the July 18, 2005 issue of People Magazine
Check out the following links about Luther and his death.
