![]() ![]() ![]() Through his songs, for the last two generations Luther Vandross became a staple in the most joyous moments of people’s lives. Love of family, friends, that special someone–all were themes Luther explored with his music regularly, reaching many. In March 1989, Luther Vandross was the first male artist to sell out 10 consecutive live shows at London’s Wembley Arena.Ĭoupled 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. 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). 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.įrom 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. In that span Luther released eight #1 R&B albums, seven #1 R&B singles and another five Top 20 R&B singles. The fact is, Luther Vandross was, and always will be, the pre-eminent black male vocalist of our time.įor almost 25 years, from 1981 to 2005, Luther dominated the American R&B music charts like no other artist before or since. Say the name “Luther” and record buyers the world over respond immediately. Luther Vandross originally did Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, My Body, Whether or Not the World Gets Better, What Becomes of the Brokenhearted and other songs. One name towers above the rest in any discussion of black male singers whose impact and influence has been unparalleled. Luther Vandross covered The Christmas Song, What Becomes of the Brokenhearted, Whether or Not the World Gets Better, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and other songs. Picture: Getty At the 2004 Grammys, Richard played piano on the song, while Celine Dion stepped in for Luther, who was too ill to perform. The pair co-wrote Luthers iconic Dance with My Father, which won him a Grammy a year before his death. But when it comes to male vocalists, the list is far shorter. Richard also opened up about his friendship with Luther Vandross. Check Aretha, Whitney, Mariah, Diana and Dionne. ![]() In the world of contemporary music, there are just a handful of superstars whose first name alone brings instant recognition. ![]()
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