Luther’s reach is extensive enough that CBS Sports has used his rendition of “One Shining Moment” for their coverage of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament since 2003, and Luther performed the National Anthem at Super Bowl XXXI in January 1997 in New Orleans. He wrote one of the climactic musical numbers (“Everybody Rejoice”) for the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical and Academy Award-nominated film The Wiz. He produced records for Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick and Whitney Houston. He crossed boundaries, starting with his earliest success as a background vocalist and arranger for David Bowie, Bette Midler, Barbra Streisand, Donna Summer, Carly Simon, Judy Collins, J. From his introduction to the world as a singer on the first season of PBS’s Sesame Street in 1969 to winning four Grammy Awards in 2004, Luther was a permanent and dynamic force in popular music. Through his songs, for the last two generations Luther Vandross became a staple in the most joyous moments of people’s lives.Īt the time of Luther’s death in 2005 following complications from a stroke two years earlier, Luther had been in entertainment for 35 years. Love of family, friends, that special someone–all were themes Luther explored with his music regularly, reaching many. It is rarified company, but indelibly classic and everlasting in the annals of American music and a club in which Luther Vandross’ membership is permanent.Ĭoupled with that voice was Luther’s unique ability to write and sing about love and the shared emotions we all feel in that search for and enjoyment of love. Like any great singer of the past 100 years, Luther Vandross’ voice and distinct singing style led to not only monumental success, but an instant recognition when you hear him singing–through your stereo, car radio, on TV or in a movie. In the years since Luther’s passing, one constant has remained to define his life and musical success: the voice. The fact is, Luther Vandross was, and always will be, the pre-eminent Black Male Vocalist of our time. Say the name “Luther” and record buyers the world over respond immediately. One name towers above the rest in any discussion of Black Male singers whose impact and influence has been unparalleled. But when it comes to male vocalists, the list is far shorter. Check Aretha, Whitney, Mariah, Diana and Dionne. In the world of contemporary music, there are just a handful of superstars whose first name alone brings instant recognition. Parents: Mary Ida Vandross, Luther Vandross, Sr. Brief captions will accompany some of the songs.1986 - Luther Vandross - Rehearsal with Marcus Miller & Nat Adderly JrPosted by Danny Brown on Sunday, June 14, 2015 There are MANY, and I will try to keep this from getting too lengthy. In the same vein as my other birthday tributes, this post will focus on several favorites of mine by Luther. Luther really had a knack for covering songs and having his remake end up being just as popular as, if not more popular than, the original version. Additionally, he paid tribute to Dionne Warwick by recording what has really become the definitive version of one of her songs: “A House Is Not a Home”. He wrote and produced for Aretha(her Jump To It album), while also having the likes of Darlene Love and Cissy Houston sing background vocals on some of his songs. Luther was the epitome of someone who put the work in, paid his dues, never gave up, and achieved the success and recognition that he rightly deserved.Īs I mentioned in Aretha Franklin’s birthday post a few weeks ago, Luther was also blessed to be able to actually work with and/or pay homage to several of the artists that he grew up loving. This culminated in his stint with the Italian-formed post-disco R&B group Change(a group whose music I love), which, shortly thereafter, resulted in his successful solo debut. From his early days of singing jingles and background vocals, to his skills as a songwriter(he wrote the CLASSIC “Everybody Rejoice/Brand New Day” from The Wiz, for example), his talent was destined to shine through. Luther grew up loving the girl groups of the 60s, as well as singers like Darlene Love and Dionne Warwick. Born Luther Ronzoni Vandross in New York City on April 20, 1951, today would have been his 70th birthday. His voice was one of a kind, and he was immensely talented. All you have to say is “Luther” or “Lutha”(haha) to most Black people and it’s clear who you’re talking about. There is SO much I could say about THE one and only Luther Vandross.
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