In the world of contemporary music, there are just a handful
of superstars whose first name alone brings instant recognition. One name
towers above the rest in any discussion of black male singers whose impact and
influence has been unparalleled. Say the name “Luther” and record buyers the
world over respond immediately. The fact is, Luther Vandross was, and always
will be, the pre-eminent black male vocalist of our time. In the years since
Luther’s passing, one constant has remained to define his life and musical
success: the voice. Luther Vandross’ voice and distinct singing style led to
not only monumental success, but an instant recognition when you hear him
singing–through your stereo, car radio, on TV or in a movie. Coupled 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. Love of family,
friends, that special someone–all were themes Luther explored with his music
regularly, reaching many. Through his songs, for the last two generations
Luther Vandross became a staple in the most joyous moments of people’s lives. At
the time of Luther’s death in 2005 following complications from a stroke two
years earlier, Luther had been in entertainment for 35 years. From 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. 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. King, Ringo Starr and Chic. He produced records for Aretha
Franklin, Dionne Warwick and Whitney Houston. He wrote one of the climactic
musical numbers (“Everybody Rejoice”) for the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical
and Academy Award-nominated film The Wiz. Luther’s reach is extensive enough
that CBS Sports has used his rendition of “One Shining Moment” for their
coverage of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament since 2003, and Luther
performed the National Anthem at Super Bowl XXXI in January 1997 in New
Orleans.
Luther was a regular musical performer on the television
shows Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show (Johnny Carson and Jay Leno), Rosie
O’Donnell, The Arsenio Hall Show, Solid Gold and Soul Train and was a common
performer at Washington DC events in the 1990’s, including The People’s
Inaugural Celebration, A Gala for the President at Ford’s Theatre, Christmas In
Washington and A Capitol Fourth. Luther’s songs have appeared in a vast number
of movies, and he contributed original songs for sixteen films, including
Bustin’ Loose, The Goonies, Ruthless People, Made In Heaven, House Party, Hero,
Money Train and Dr. Dolittle 2. For almost 25 years, from 1981 to 2005, Luther
dominated the American R&B music charts like no other artist before or
since. In that span Luther 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 1981 to
1996, Luther Vandross released 11 consecutive platinum/double platinum albums
on CBS/Sony’s Epic Records label; and at the time of his passing in 2005, 13 of
Luther’s 14 studio albums had gone Platinum or multi-platinum. Luther’s success
was not confined to the United States, with record sales of over 40 million
worldwide since 1981, including four Top 10 UK albums (one #1). In March 1989,
Luther Vandross was the first male artist to sell out 10 consecutive live shows
at London’s Wembley Arena. Overall, Luther received 31 Grammy Award
nominations, winning eight times. Additionally, Luther won eight American Music
Awards, including Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist seven times. Throughout his
distinguished career, Luther Vandross was active in charitable causes with the
United Negro College Fund and the NY Chapter of the American Diabetes
Association, in addition to performing at numerous charity concerts.
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.