Early Life and Education of Luther Vandross: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 27, 2025

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Luther Vandross. From birth to education, explore key events.

Luther Vandross, the "Velvet Voice," was a highly successful American soul and R&B singer, songwriter, and producer. He achieved eleven consecutive platinum albums and sold over 40 million records globally. Vandross was recognized as one of the greatest singers by Rolling Stone and a top R&B artist by Billboard. He received eight Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year for "Dance with My Father" in 2004. Vandross was inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame and the Grammy Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as a significant figure in music history.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

December 1985: Libel suit against British magazine

In December 1985, Luther Vandross filed a libel suit against a British magazine after it attributed his 85-pound weight loss to AIDS. He had weighed 325 pounds (147 kg) when he started a diet in May of that year.

January 12, 1986: Car Accident on Laurel Canyon Boulevard

On January 12, 1986, Luther Vandross was driving his convertible on Laurel Canyon Boulevard in Los Angeles when he veered across the double yellow center line and collided with two other cars. Vandross and Jimmy Salvemini were rushed to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

April 16, 2003: Severe Stroke in New York City

On April 16, 2003, Luther Vandross, who had diabetes and hypertension, suffered a severe stroke at his home in New York City and was in a coma for nearly two months. The stroke affected his ability to speak and sing and required him to use a wheelchair. He later regained the ability to walk.

May 6, 2004: Last Public Appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show

On May 6, 2004, Luther Vandross made his last public appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

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July 8, 2005: Funeral at Riverside Church

On July 8, 2005, Luther Vandross's funeral was held at Riverside Church in New York City. Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick and Cissy Houston were among the speakers and singers at the service.

2006: Bruce Vilanch discusses Vandross' sexuality

In 2006, Bruce Vilanch, a friend and colleague of Vandross, said "He said to me, 'No one knows I'm in the life.' ... He had very few sexual contacts". According to Vilanch, Vandross experienced his longest romantic relationship with a man while living in Los Angeles during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

December 2017: Patti LaBelle confirms Vandross was gay

In December 2017, 12 years after his death, Luther Vandross's friend Patti LaBelle confirmed that he was gay, noting that he had lady fans and didn't want to upset the world.