Remembering Luther Vandross
In 1981 Vandross burst onto the scene as a solo artist with his timeless debut single “Never Too Much,” launching an illustrious run of soulful ballads and smooth grooves that would earn him four Grammy Awards and become the soundtrack of a generation
Remembering Luther Vandross
Luther Vandross was born on April 20, 1951, in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of New York City. Raised in a musical household—his mother taught piano, and his father sang in a gospel quartet—he discovered his gift for the voice early on, performing in school choirs and local talent shows. After honing his craft as a sought‑after background vocalist in the 1970s—singing on hits for artists like David Bowie and Bette Midler—he formed the R&B group Luther in 1976, whose self‑titled debut laid the groundwork for his solo success.
In 1981 Vandross burst onto the scene as a solo artist with his timeless debut single “Never Too Much,” launching an illustrious run of soulful ballads and smooth grooves that would earn him four Grammy Awards and become the soundtrack of a generation. Albums like “Forever, for Always, for Love” and “Power of Love” showcased his velvet tenor and impeccable phrasing, while collaborations with the likes of Dionne Warwick, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé cemented his reputation as a vocalist’s vocalist.
After suffering a stroke in 2003, Vandross fought to recover but remained largely out of the public eye. He passed away on July 1, 2005, in Edison, New Jersey, at the age of 54. His elegant delivery, heartfelt lyrics and unwavering devotion to the art of soul music continue to inspire singers and listeners around the world.
Look back at the duet “Endless Love” by Luther Vandross and Mariah Carey
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