Legendary Singer Luther Vandross
Dies at 54
By Brandi Forte
WI Contributing Writer
He sung hope into loveless situations, and he taught us about the “power of love,” and for most, R&B music will never be same again without Luther Vandross.
Luther Ronzoni Vandross died Friday, July 1st at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Edison, NJ, due to an undisclosed cause.
Post Sam Cooke, Al Green, and Marvin Gaye, 1980 was the ideal era for the Vandross rise to the top of R&B charts. A product of two parents who were singers, growing up in the
Alfred E. Smith Housing Projects in Manhattan, New York, Vandross had his adversities, being one of the only boys in his neighborhood who did not have the desire to play sports.
Shy and insecure about his battle with weight, Vandross was then content with collecting 50s and 60s classic albums, until he recognized his own gift. According to songstress Roberta Flack, Luther Vandross was content with remaining as an underground artist until Epic Records discovered and signed him in 1981.
Operating as a producer for greats like Aretha Franklin, Vandross maintained his singing career and was one of the pioneers of real R&B music.
“Luther’s music affected everyone, and not hearing his voice is never going to be the same,” said Cassaundra Wheaton, an oldies but goodies collector.
With contemporaries Prince and Stevie Wonder on the same musical path, Vandross’ debut “Never Too Much,” put him at number one of the billboard charts, selling two million albums strong. From opening up shows for David Bowie to becoming one of the highest selling and demanded artists of our time, Vandross sung flawless love ballads that totaled 14 successful albums.
“He taught couples how to stay together. His music spoke to our issues with love- good and bad,” said long-time fan Symmons Charest.
An eight-time Grammy Award winner, Vandross sold over 25 albums that are noted classics. From “A House is Not a Home” to “Love the One You’re With” to “So Amazing” and “Dance With My Father,” Luther Vandross gave both objective commentaries and solutions to our problems with love.
Fat or skinny, curly haired or Egyptian faded, Luther Vandross may have been center of attention for media gossip, but Luther made it clear when he often said, “mind your own business, all I owe you is good music.”
A gentle spirit, a legendary singer, and an incredible songwriter, Luther Vandross will be missed. Survived by his mother, and hosts of nephews and nieces, Luther can truly dance with his father.
“It’s just not going to be the same,” Wheaton said, shaking her head in disbelief. “He was one of the best singers in the world. We may have Ruben Studdard, but we don’t have Luther.”
A tenor sensation, it was impossible to ever get too much Vandross. His wonderful legacy of good music will continue to touch the hearts, minds, souls, and even dance floors of this world for years to come.
