Who Was Luther Vandross?
"In 1981, Luther Vandross released his debut album, Never Too Much, which sold more than a million copies. Though Vandross was a major R&B phenomenon, it wasn't until the early 1990s that he became a pop success. He won his first Grammy in 1991 for "Here and Now," two in 1992 for "Power of Love" and a fourth in 1997 for "Your Secret Love." He also won four 2004 Grammys before passing away in 2005.
Profile
Singer, songwriter. Born April 20, 1951, in New York City. The youngest of four children, Vandross was raised by his mother after his father died. He became interested in R&B music during high school, and in 1972, his song "Everybody Rejoice" was picked up for the Broadway musical The Wiz. Soon after, he started recording commercial jingles and worked as a backup singer and arranger for such popular artists as David Bowie, Bette Midler and Barbara Streisand.
In 1981, Vandross signed with Epic and released his debut album, Never Too Much, which sold more than a million copies. He released several subsequent albums throughout the 1980s, often partnering with such luminary female artists as Aretha Franklin. Though Vandross was a major R&B phenomenon, it wasn't until the early 1990s that he became a pop success. He won his first Grammy in 1991 for "Here and Now," two in 1992 for co-writing and performing "Power of Love," and a fourth in 1997 for "Your Secret Love."
Vandross continued to produce recordings throughout the 1990s with great success. These included a Top Ten remake of "Endless Love" with Mariah Carey, "This is Christmas" in 1996 and "I Know" in 1998. The singer suffered a debilitating stroke in 2003, from which he never fully recovered. He appeared via video at the 2004 Grammys, where he won four awards for his last album "Dance With My Father," including Song of the Year. Vandross died on July 1, 2005." from the article: Luther Vandross
Always and Forever (from Always and Forever: An Evening of Songs at The Royal Albert Hall)
Video from Luther Vandross
"Watch this live performance of 'Always and Forever' at Royal Albert Hall in 1994, originally released on Luther Vandross' Grammy Award winning 1991 album, Power of Love. Luther Vandross was a musical master whose style has influenced an entire generation of today's vocalists. His distinctive brand of satin smooth vocal magic moved international audiences and continues to touch people to this day. For almost 25 years, from 1981 to 2005, Luther Vandross dominated the American R&B music charts like no other artist before or since. In that span he released eight #1 R&B albums, seven #1 R&B singles and another five Top 20 R&B singles. He achieved crossover status with eight Billboard Top 10 albums, including reaching #1 with 2003's Dance With My Father; and another five Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 singles.' from video introduction
Luther Vandross - A House Is Not A Home (Tribute Dionne Warwick:1988)
Video from R472 Funk Channel TV.
Singer Luther Vandross Dies Two Years After Stroke
"EDISON, N.J., July 3 2005 -Recording industry superstar, Luther Vandross, 54, died Friday, two years after suffering a stroke.
Vandross died at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center here. The hospital said in a statement that he "never fully recovered" from the effects of the stroke. Vandross had long fought obesity, with weight that fluctuated. He was hypertensive and suffered from diabetes.
Although largely out of the public eye since the stroke, Vandross recorded a final album and won four recording industry Grammy awards last year.." from the article: Singer Luther Vandross Dies Two Years After Stroke
Luther Vandross' Final Message to His Fans | The Oprah Winfrey Show
Video from OWN
"In 2003, singer Luther Vandross had a debilitating stroke. Before dying in 2005, he shared a few profound words for fans to hold dear in their hearts." from video introduction