History of Luther Vandross in Timeline

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

1971: Release of Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On"

In 1971, Marvin Gaye released the original song "What's Going On", which Luther Vandross would later collaborate on a cover of in 2003.

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.

1987: Song "There's Only You" appeared on "Made in Heaven" soundtrack

In 1987, a version of the song "There's Only You" originally appeared on the soundtrack to the film Made in Heaven.

1999: Whitney Houston sings "So Amazing" at Soul Train Awards

In 1999, Whitney Houston sang Luther Vandross' "So Amazing" as a tribute to Vandross at the Soul Train Awards, with Johnny Gill, El DeBarge, and Kenny Lattimore providing background vocals.

July 6, 2000: Appearance at Diana Ross's Return to Love Tour

On July 6, 2000, Luther Vandross made a public appearance at the final stop of Diana Ross's Return to Love Tour at Madison Square Garden.

September 2001: Performance at Michael Jackson's 30th Anniversary Special

In September 2001, Luther Vandross performed a rendition of Michael Jackson's hit song "Man in the Mirror" at Jackson's 30th Anniversary special, alongside Usher and 98 Degrees.

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.

2003: Release of "Dance with My Father" Album

In 2003, Luther Vandross released the album "Dance with My Father". It sold 442,000 copies in its first week and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 album chart. The title track was dedicated to his childhood memories of dancing with his father.

2003: Collaboration on Doc Powell's song "What's Going On"

In 2003, Luther Vandross's last collaboration was Doc Powell's song "What's Going On", a cover of Marvin Gaye's original song, from Powell's album 97th and Columbus.

2003: New Singer for "One Shining Moment"

In 2003, after the televised NCAA Men's Basketball championship, CBS Sports selected Luther Vandross as the new singer for "One Shining Moment". His version is still in use today.

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 27, 2004: Release of "Forever, for Always, for Luther" tribute album

On July 27, 2004, GRP Records released a smooth jazz various artists tribute album, "Forever, for Always, for Luther", including ten popular songs written by Luther Vandross. The album featured vocal arrangements by Luther and was produced by Rex Rideout and Bud Harner.

2004: Grammy Award for "Dance With My Father"

In 2004, Luther Vandross and his co-writer, Richard Marx, won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year for "Dance With My Father". The song also won Vandross his fourth and final award in the Best Male R&B Vocal Performance category. "Think About You", the second single released from the album, was the number one Urban Adult Contemporary Song of 2004.

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.

September 20, 2005: Release of "So Amazing: An All-Star Tribute to Luther Vandross" Album

On September 20, 2005, the album "So Amazing: An All-Star Tribute to Luther Vandross" was released. It features performances of his songs by various artists, including Patti LaBelle, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, Usher, Fantasia, Beyoncé, Donna Summer, Alicia Keys, Elton John, Celine Dion, Wyclef Jean, Babyface, John Legend, Angie Stone, Jamie Foxx, and Teddy Pendergrass.

August 22, 2006: Release of "The Ultimate Luther Vandross" Album

On August 22, 2006, Epic Records/J Records/Legacy Recordings released "The Ultimate Luther Vandross", a greatest hits album featuring previously unreleased songs, "Shine" and "Got You Home".

November 21, 2006: Release of "Forever, for Always, for Luther Volume II" Album

On November 21, 2006, saxophonist Dave Koz released "Forever, for Always, for Luther Volume II", a follow-up smooth jazz tribute album to Luther Vandross, produced by Rex Rideout and Bud Harner. Koz played on all the featured Luther Vandross tracks, recorded by various smooth jazz artists.

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.

October 16, 2007: Release of "Love, Luther" Boxed Set

On October 16, 2007, Epic Records/J Records/Legacy Recordings released "Love, Luther", a 4-disc boxed set featuring nearly all of Vandross's R&B and pop hits, as well as unreleased live tracks, alternate versions, and outtakes. The set also includes "There's Only You".

2008: Ranked on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Singers List

In 2008, Luther Vandross was ranked No. 54 on Rolling Stone magazine's List of 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.

November 29, 2010: Inclusion in NPR's 50 Greatest Voices

On November 29, 2010, NPR included Luther Vandross in its 50 Greatest Voices in recorded history, recognizing him as "the platinum standard for R&B song stylings."

October 2015: Release of Re-configured "The Essential Luther Vandross" Compilation

In October 2015, Sony Music released a re-configured edition of "The Essential Luther Vandross" compilation containing three unreleased songs: "Love It, Love It", a live recording of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" with Paul Simon and Jennifer Holliday, and a cover of Astrud Gilberto's "Look to the Rainbow".

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.