![luther vandross songs on youtube luther vandross songs on youtube](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/yMWzMVfkg1U/maxresdefault.jpg)
He visiting a friend in Bowie’s band at the studio, and talking about an idea to improve the hook for “Young Americans,” unaware that the singer was standing within earshot. In 1974, Luther accidentally landed a gig as a background singer and arranger for David Bowie. Their music was largely social commentary, and they performed in and around New York, including on the very first episode of Sesame Street. In the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, teenaged Luther was part of youth performing arts group sponsored by the Apollo Theater called Listen My Brother.
#LUTHER VANDROSS SONGS ON YOUTUBE PROFESSIONAL#
The world was officially introduced to Luther in 1981, but he was already an established singer’s singer on the professional circuit. The New York Times once described Luther as having an “obsession with the human voice, bordering on clinical.” Some people’s gifts are leagues beyond the old talent-plus-preparation-equals-opportunity equation. He was a writer, producer, and one of the greatest vocal manipulators in the game, as well-known and sought-after from early in his career for his vocal arrangements as his singing.
#LUTHER VANDROSS SONGS ON YOUTUBE FULL#
And while his voice is appreciated–he’s featured on every greatest vocalist list of note–the full range and depth of Luther’s vocal craftsmanship are not. Romantic and devoted love, not sex or lust. His first greatest hits compilation was titled The Best of Luther, The Best of Love because his entire catalog was love.
![luther vandross songs on youtube luther vandross songs on youtube](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/iiqfsXm7VnU/maxresdefault.jpg)
He usually sang from a gentle, easy place. Luther sang from a softer space, topically and tonally.
![luther vandross songs on youtube luther vandross songs on youtube](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/eWsrzgwxrak/maxresdefault.jpg)
![luther vandross songs on youtube luther vandross songs on youtube](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8xz7XTNL1qI/hqdefault.jpg)
The difference informs the distinction between him and most other men of R&B. “I decided at that point that I wanted to do something in music.” ‘Anyone Who Has a Heart’ was a masterpiece,” he told The Washington Post. “She came on stage and just killed me the music was more serious, the song value was more serious. Seeing Dionne Warwick live at the Brooklyn Fox Theater made him realize he wanted to sing. Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross and Patti Labelle were the voices that fascinated and inspired a young Luther. He was called “the velvet voice” and “the Black Pavarotti,” but there’s not really a male predecessor he compares to because he didn’t pattern himself after the soul men like Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, or Teddy Pendergrass. was the preeminent urban pop singer the essence of ‘80s quiet storm R&B. It is a collection of some of his songs performed by various artists, including Stevie Wonder, Mary J Blige, Usher, Beyoncé, Donna Summer, Alicia Keys, Elton John, Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin and more.“There are voices in this world and once they sing, it’s a stamp on everybody.” Bravo producer and personality Andy Cohen was asking Patti Labelle about her dear friend Luther Vandross on talk show Watch What Happens Live. In September 2005 the album So Amazing: An All-Star Tribute to Luther Vandross was released. Whitney Houston’s mother, Cissy Houston, sung at his funeral. Two years earlier he had suffered a severe stroke at his home in New York, and was in a coma for two months. Vandross died on 1 July 2005 from a heart attack, at the age of just 54. He won his second the following year, when “Power of Love/Love Power” also took home the award for “Best R&B Song”.īy the end of his career he had amassed eight, as well as a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a Super Bowl half-time show in 1997 and eight Billboard top 10 albums. Vandross won his first Grammy award for “Best Male R&B Vocal Performance” in 1991. Known by many as the “Velvet Voice”, some of his other hit singles include “Here and Now”, “Any Love”, “Power of Love/Love Power”, “I Can Make it Better” and “For You to Love”.