Luther Vandross
This page is a tribute to the late Luther Vandross. His passing is a shocks and saddens us all. Luther Vandross (born Luther Ronzoni Vandross Jr.) (April 20, 1951 – July 1, 2005) was an African American R&B singer. Born in New York City, Luther Vandross started his singing career in the 1970's as a back-up vocalist for such artists as David Bowie (who discovered him and put him on his Young Americans album), Roberta Flack, Carly Simon, Donna Summer, Bette Midler, Chic, and Barbra Streisand. He eventually made his breakthrough as a guest singer with the group Change. The first song of his to become a hit was "Searching."
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Birth
name Luther Ronzoni Vandross Jr |
 Luther Vandross |
Birthdate
April 20, 1951 – July 1, 2005 |
Growing up in a family steeped in gospel and soul music, Luther Vandross took to music early on. Luther Ronzoni Vandross began his career writing and performing jingles for television commercials. He even appeared on "Sesame Street" in October 1969. While still in school, he started his own group, and then moved on to join the musical theater workshop, Listen My Brother. Luther Vandross performed at Harlem's Apollo Theater, and went on to contribute to the Broadway show The Wiz
It was in the 1980s that Vandross' career skyrocketed, with albums such as Forever, for Always, for Love and Give Me The Reason. When Luther Vandross produced his 1989 greatest hits album, The Best of Luther Vandross...The Best Of Love, he ended up hitting the Top Ten for the first time with the ballad Here And Now |
In his lifetime, Luther Vandross has won five Grammy Awards for Best R&B Male Vocal Performance with his #1 R&B / Top Ten Single, "Here and Now," 2 for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Male Vocal Performance with "Power Of Love / Love Power," and Best R&B Male Vocal Performance for "Your Secret Love." In 2000, Luther was honored with a special BET Walk Of Fame tribute and as brilliant performer who is known for his compelling live shows, Luther has consistently toured and enjoyed sold-out shows year in and year out. And, a first for any black male vocalist, Luther's impressive catalog of thirteen albums have all achieved either platinum or multi-platinum status
Luther Vandross struggled with health and image problems, claiming that he lost 100 pounds -- 13 times. He suffered from hypertension and diabetes, which killed two siblings and his father, but refused to slow down until his stroke two years ago. He died at the age of 54 on July 1, 2005, from complications due to a stroke
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