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. Geils Band, Ben E. Through his songs, for the last two generations Luther Vandross became a staple in the most joyous moments of people’s lives.įrom 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. Love of family, friends, that special someone–all were themes Luther explored with his music regularly, reaching many. Luther Vandross’ voice and distinct singing style led to not only monumental success and 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. One constant has remained to define his life and musical success: that 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.

List all luther vandross songs