Luther Vandross

Luther Vandross (April 20, 1951 – July 1, 2005) was an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. Throughout his career, Vandross was an in-demand background vocalist for several different artists including Todd Rundgren, Judy Collins, Chaka Khan, Bette Midler, Diana Ross, David Bowie, Barbra Streisand, Ben E. King, and Donna Summer. He later became a lead singer of the group Change, which released its gold-certified debut album, The Glow of Love, in 1980 on Warner Bros. Records. After Vandross left the group, he was signed to Epic Records as a solo artist and released his debut solo album, Never Too Much, in 1981.

Early life

Vandross was born on April 20, 1951, in the Manhattan neighborhood of Alphabet City. He was the fourth child and second son of Mary Ida Vandross and Luther Vandross Sr. His father was an upholsterer and singer, and his mother was a nurse. Vandross was raised in Manhattan's Lower East Side in the NYCHA Alfred E. Smith Houses public housing development. At the age of three, having his own phonograph, Vandross taught himself to play the piano by ear.

Career

Vandross's career began in the entertainment industry during the early 1970s, as a singer and songwriter. His first big break came when he contributed the song "Everybody Rejoice" to the 1972 Broadway musical The Wiz. He was also a vocalist for Robert Flack, Carly Simon, Chaka Khan, and Donna Summer.

In 1980, Vandross had his first hit as the lead singer of the band Change, with "The Glow of Love", which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Dance Chart. He left the band soon after and was signed to Epic Records.

Vandross released his debut solo album Never Too Much in 1981. The title track was a No. 1 R&B hit, and the album also featured the hit "Sugar and Spice". Vandross produced and wrote every song on the album, which sold over one million copies.

Vandross continued to produce and write for other artists while building his solo career. His biggest hits included "Here and Now", "Any Love", "Power of Love/Love Power", "I Can Make It Better" and "For You to Love". Many of his songs were covers of older songs, which he "reinterpreted" with his own sound.

Death and legacy

Vandross suffered from diabetes and hypertension, both of which may have contributed to his stroke in 2003. He died on July 1, 2005, at the age of 54. His death was mourned worldwide, and he was posthumously awarded four Grammy Awards in 2006.

Vandross's smooth soulful voice and romantic ballads have influenced many artists, including John Legend, Usher, and Ne-Yo. He is often recognized as a pioneer of the Quiet Storm genre.

See also

• List of awards and nominations received by Luther Vandross
• Discography of Luther Vandross