Luther Vandross

Luther Ronzoni Vandross was born on April 20, 1951, in Manhattan, New York City. He was the youngest of four children and grew up in a musical family. His father, an upholsterer, died of diabetes when Luther was eight years old, leaving his mother, Mary Ida Vandross, to raise the family alone. Luther showed musical talent from an early age and was influenced by his sister Patricia, who also pursued a singing career. He began playing the piano and singing as a child.

In 1972, Luther Vandross began his music career as a backup singer. He worked with artists like David Bowie, Bette Midler, Donna Summer, and Roberta Flack. His distinctive voice quickly gained attention, and his work as a backing vocalist laid the foundation for his later success as a solo artist. He also wrote and composed songs during this time, demonstrating his multiple talents in the music industry.

Luther Vandross released his debut solo album "Never Too Much" on June 22, 1981. The album was a commercial success, peaking at number 19 on the Billboard 200 and number one on the R&B Albums chart. The title track, "Never Too Much," became one of his signature songs and helped establish him as a soul and R&B singer of note. The album set the stage for Vandross's illustrious solo career.

In 1989, Luther Vandross received recognition for his musical accomplishments by winning two American Music Awards. He won the awards for Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist and Favorite Soul/R&B Single for his song "Any Love." These accolades highlighted his success and popularity in the music industry during the 1980s, as he continued to be a leading figure in R&B and soul music.

Luther Vandross won his first Grammy Award in 1990 for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for his hit song "Here and Now." This win marked the beginning of his association with the Grammy Awards, where he would eventually win a total of eight Grammy Awards over his career. "Here and Now" became one of his most beloved ballads and cemented his status as a premier vocalist in R&B music.

On June 28, 1994, Luther Vandross released his album "Songs," which was a collection of cover versions of various famous tracks. The album included songs like "Endless Love" (a duet with Mariah Carey) and "Love the One You're With." "Songs" went on to achieve multi-platinum status, reflecting Vandross's ability to successfully interpret and perform a wide range of musical styles beyond his original compositions.

On April 16, 2003, Luther Vandross suffered a severe stroke at his home in Manhattan, New York. The stroke left him in a coma for nearly two months and he faced numerous health challenges during his recovery. It was a devastating blow to the artist and his family, deeply affecting his ability to continue with his musical career. However, his legacy in the world of R&B and soul music remained intact due to his prolific body of work.

On March 23, 2004, Luther Vandross released "Dance with My Father," which was completed despite his severe health issues. The album's title track, "Dance with My Father," became one of his greatest hits, earning him four Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. The emotional depth of the song resonated with many, showcasing his ability to connect with audiences even during difficult times.

Luther Vandross passed away on July 1, 2005, at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Edison, New Jersey. He died of a heart attack, following the severe stroke he had suffered two years earlier. Vandross's untimely death at the age of 54 was mourned by fans and the music industry alike. His contribution to music, especially in R&B and soul, left a lasting impact and his songs continue to influence new generations of artists.

Luther Vandross was posthumously inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame on August 1, 2006. His star was unveiled in recognition of his significant contributions to the music industry and his influence as a soul and R&B artist. This honor highlighted the enduring legacy of his talent and the impact he had on his genre, reaffirming his status as one of the greats in popular music history.