Biography
Luther Vandross was born on April 20, 1951, in New York City, New York, where he developed an early passion for music influenced by artists like Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick, and the Supremes. He began his career performing at the Harlem Cultural Festival in 1969 and appearing on Sesame Street in 1969-1970, before gaining prominence as a background vocalist and arranger for artists such as David Bowie, Bette Midler, Barbra Streisand, Donna Summer, Carly Simon, and Chic. After leading vocals on Change's 1980 album The Glow of Love, he signed with Epic Records and released his debut solo album Never Too Much in 1981, which topped the R&B charts and established his signature style blending quiet storm and soul with lush arrangements and emotive balladry.[1][2][3][4]
Fun Facts
- Vandross wrote 'Everybody Rejoice' for the Broadway musical The Wiz, which won a Tony and was nominated for an Academy Award.
- He performed the National Anthem at Super Bowl XXXI in 1997 and his version of 'One Shining Moment' has been used by CBS for NCAA Men's Basketball since 2003.
- In 1989, he became the first male artist to sell out 10 consecutive shows at London's Wembley Arena.
- Vandross achieved 11 consecutive Platinum albums, a record unmatched by any other R&B artist.
Associated Acts
- Bionic Boogie
- Change
- Lemon
- The Good Vibrations
- Chic
- We Are Family Collective
- New York City Band
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Aretha Franklin - major stylistic influence and inspiration from childhood (influenced his production on her album Jump to It (1982)) [1950s-1980s]
- Dionne Warwick - key musical influence, covered her songs early on (produced and dueted on How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye (1983)) [1960s-1980s]
- Supremes - early stylistic influence on his soul and pop sound (general influence on his music) [1960s]
Key Collaborators
- Change - lead vocalist (The Glow of Love album) [1980]
- Lisa Fischer - longtime backup vocalist on tours (various tours and recordings) [1980s-2000s (22 years)]
- Aretha Franklin - producer and arranger (Jump to It album) [1982-1983]
- Dionne Warwick - producer, writer, and duet partner (How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye album) [1983]
- Whitney Houston - producer (various projects) [1980s]
Artists Influenced
- Beyoncé - duet partner inspired by his vocal style (The Closer I Get to You duet) [2000s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Dangerously In Love | 2003-06-24 | Album |
| Never Too Much | 1981-07-23 | Album |
| Songs | 1994-09-20 | Album |
| Dance With My Father | 2003-06-10 | Album |
| Give Me The Reason | 1986-09-19 | Album |
| I Know | 1998-01-01 | Album |
| The Night I Fell In Love | 1985-03-08 | Album |
| Forever, For Always, For Love | 1982-09-21 | Album |
| Luther Vandross | 2001-06-19 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Never Too Much (Never Too Much)
- Endless Love (with Mariah Carey) (Songs)
- Dance With My Father (Dance With My Father)
- I'd Rather
- So Amazing (Give Me The Reason)
- If This World Were Mine (with Luther Vandross)
- Here and Now
- A House Is Not a Home (Never Too Much)
- Always and Forever (Songs)
- Take You Out (Luther Vandross)
External Links
Tags: #contemporary-r&b, #queer, #quiet-storm
References
Heard on WWOZ
LUTHER VANDROSS has been played 3 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 15, 2025 | 23:17 | AT CHRISTMAS TIME | Kitchen Sinkw/ Derrick Freeman | |
| Oct 6, 2025 | 22:59 | Don't You Know That | Kitchen Sinkw/ Derrick Freeman | |
| Sep 18, 2025 | 14:25 | BAD BOY/HAVING A PARTY (SINGLE VERSION)from THE ESSENTIAL LUTHER VANDROSS | Bluesw/ DJ Giant |