Luther Vandross
Born April 20 1951, New York City, New York, U.S.A.
Luther Ronzoni Vandross grew up listening to gospel music. While he was still in school, he performed in the Musical theatre Workshop. This workshop allowed him to perform at Harlem's famed Apollo Theatre. During the 1970s, Vandross took a little break from music. While having a break, his old school friend, Carlos Alomar contacted him and invited him to come to the studio where musician David Bowie was recording his album, young Americans.
Bowie was immediately impressed with Vandross’s voice. It did not take long for Vandross to become Bowie's opening act for his US Tour. Vandross then appeared as aback-up singer for stars such as, Chaka Khan, Ringo Starr, Barbra Streisand, and Donna Summer. He soon signed to Cotillion Records. In 1976, Cotillion released Vandross's debut self-titled album and another album entitled This Close To You.
He continued to sing back-up for stars. His voice was becoming very popular. He sang for stars such as, Quicy Jones, Patti Austen, Gwen Guthrie, Chic, and Sister Sledge.
In 1981, he signed with Sony Records. His debut album with Sony was entitled 'Never Too Much'. The album topped the R&B charts, and sold two million copies. The single, 'Never Too Much,' was number one on the R&B charts and a Top 40 on the pop charts. In 1982, Vandross released Forever, For Always, For Love. In 1983, Vandross released Busy Body and in 1985 he released The Night I Fell In Love.
In 1986, Luther Vandross released Give Me The Reason. The album's first single, 'Stop to Love,' was a R&B number one hit. That year, Vandross also performed many hit duets. His duet with Cheryl Lynn, 'If This World Were Mine,' did very well. His duet with Dionne Warwick, 'How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye,' was also a chart topper. In 1987, Vandross released a duet with Gregory Hines entitled 'There's Nothing better Than Love.' In 1988, he released the album, Any Love.
In 1989, Sony released The best of Luther Vandross The Best of Love. This was a greatest hits album. The album also contained the new track, 'Here and Now.' That single became his first top ten pop hit. In 1991, Vandross released Power of Love. The album contained the pop hits, 'Power of Love/ Love power' and 'Don't Want to Be a Fool.' Throughout the 90s Luther released various albums with various degree of commercial success.
On April 16, 2003 Vandross experienced a severe stroke. In June of the same year he was moved out of the intensive care unit. Later that month his critically acclaimed album, Dance With My Father was released.
UPDATE
July 1 2005, Luther Vandross died at the age of 54, may his soul rest in peace
Albums
Never Too Much (1981)
Forever,For Always,For Love (1982)
Busy Body (1983)
The Night I Fell In Love (1985)
Give Me The Reason (1986)
Any Love (1988)
Power Of Love (1991)
Never Let Me Go (1993)
Songs (1994)
This Is Christmas (1995)
Your Secret Love (1996)
I Know (1998)
Luther Vandross (2001)
Dance With My Father (2003)
Luther Vandross Album info
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