Luther Ronzoni Vandross was born on April 20, 1951 in New York City, New York. He 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. Both album were definitely not what-would-become characteristically Vandross-type music. Rather, the albums were disco-based. Both album’s flopped. Rather than lose hope, Luther Vandross 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.
Vandross’ 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.” By the end of the 1980s, Vandross was ranked with artists such as Prince, Michael Jackson, and Stevie Wonder as one of the most successful singer/songwriters and producers.
In 1992, he did a duet with pop princess Janet Jackson. The duet, “The Best Things in Life Are Free,” was featured on the soundtrack for the film, Mo’ Money. In 1993, Vandross released Never Let Me Go. In 1994, he released, Songs. The album was complete cover songs. His re-make of endless love with singer, Mariah Carey went gold and was in the pop top ten. In 1996, Vandross released a Christmas album entitled, This Is Christmas. In 1997, Vandross released Your Secret Love. In 1997, Vandross released One Night With You: The Best Of Love, Vol. 2. This album was a compilation of his hits from 1991 to 1996. At this time, Vandross was experiencing a drop in sales. Thus, Sony dropped him from their label. He soon signed to EMI Records. His debut album for EMI, I Know, was released in August 1998 and became a US Top 30. In 2000, he released Smooth Love. Vandross soon left EMI and signed to J Records. His debut album for J Records, Luther Vandross, was released in the Spring of 2001.
On August 16, 2003 Vandross experienced a severe stroke. In June of the same year he was moved out of the intensive care unit. That same month his critically acclaimed album, Dance With My Father was released. At the 2002 American Music Awards, hosted on November 16, his mother, Mary accepted two awards on behalf of her son a standing ovations.
Bio written by: bandhunt |
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