History of Luther Vandross in Timeline
Luther Ronzoni Vandross Jr. was an acclaimed American soul and R&B singer, songwriter, and record producer. Over his career, he achieved eleven consecutive RIAA-certified platinum albums and sold over 40 million records worldwide. Known for his smooth and emotive vocal style, he earned the nickname 'Velvet Voice'. Vandross was honored as one of the 200 greatest singers of all time by Rolling Stone in 2023 and recognized by Billboard as one of the greatest R&B artists. NPR also named him one of the 50 Great Voices. He received eight Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year in 2004 for 'Dance with My Father', recorded shortly before his passing. Vandross was posthumously inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2021.
April 20, 1951: Birth of Luther Vandross
On April 20, 1951, Luther Ronzoni Vandross Jr. was born. He would become a renowned figure in the world of soul and R&B music.
August 1969: Performance at Harlem Cultural Festival
As part of the theater workshop Listen My Brother, Luther Vandross performed at the Harlem Cultural Festival in late August 1969.
1969: Graduation from William Howard Taft High School
Luther Vandross graduated from William Howard Taft High School in the Bronx in 1969. He briefly attended Western Michigan University before deciding to fully pursue his passion for music.
1970: Appearances on Sesame Street
Following his performance at the Harlem Cultural Festival, Luther Vandross appeared in several episodes of the children's television show Sesame Street, including the pilot episode, during its first season in 1969-1970.
1972: Backing Vocals for Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway
Luther Vandross contributed backing vocals to a project by Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway in 1972, marking his early foray into the music industry.
1973: Collaboration with Delores Hall
Luther Vandross worked on Delores Hall's album "Hall-Mark" in 1973, showcasing his talents as a songwriter and vocalist. He penned "Who's Gonna Make It Easier for Me" and "In This Lonely Hour" for the album.
September 1974: Touring with David Bowie
After his song "Funky Music (Is a Part of Me)" was reworked into David Bowie's "Fascination" for the album "Young Americans" (1975), Vandross toured with Bowie as a backup vocalist in September 1974.
1975: Broadway Debut with "The Wiz"
Luther Vandross made his mark on Broadway in 1975 by writing "Everybody Rejoice/A Brand New Day" for the musical "The Wiz," which went on to achieve both critical and commercial success.
1976: Debut Album with the Group Luther
Luther Vandross led the singing quintet named Luther in the late 1970s, releasing their self-titled debut album in 1976.
1977: Commercial Jingles and Session Work
From 1977 into the early 1980s, Luther Vandross lent his voice to commercial jingles for brands such as NBC, Mountain Dew, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Burger King, and Juicy Fruit, all while maintaining a successful career as a session singer.
1977: Release of "This Close to You" with Luther
Luther, the singing quintet led by Vandross, released their second album, "This Close to You," in 1977.
1978: Collaborations with Gregg Diamond and Quincy Jones
Luther Vandross showcased his vocal versatility in 1978 by singing lead vocals for Gregg Diamond's disco band, Bionic Boogie, on the track "Hot Butterfly." The same year, he collaborated with Quincy Jones on the album "Sounds...and Stuff Like That!!," notably on the song "I'm Gonna Miss You in the Morning."
1979: Lead Vocals for Soirée and Mascara
Continuing his collaborations, Luther Vandross took on lead vocal duties for the band Soirée on the track "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" in 1979 and lent his voice to the group Mascara's LP title track "See You in L.A." that same year.
1980: Release of "The Glow of Love" with Change
Luther Vandross achieved success as the lead singer of the group Change in 1980 with the release of their Gold-certified album "The Glow of Love."
1980: Breakthrough with Change's "The Glow of Love"
Luther Vandross experienced a career breakthrough in 1980 as the featured singer with the pop-dance group Change. Their hit songs "The Glow of Love" and "Searching" showcased his exceptional vocal abilities and propelled him into the spotlight.
1981: Debut Solo Album, "Never Too Much"
Luther Vandross embarked on his solo career in 1981 with the release of his debut album, "Never Too Much," under Epic Records.
1981: Consistent Top 10 R&B Hits
From 1981 to 1994, Luther Vandross scored at least one top 10 R&B hit every year, showcasing his consistent success in the music industry.
1981: Signing with Epic Records and Second Solo Attempt
After declining to perform on Change's second album, Luther Vandross signed a recording contract with Epic Records in 1981, marking the start of his focused pursuit of a solo career. He released his debut album, "Never Too Much," that same year, featuring the hit title track and a rendition of "A House Is Not a Home."
1982: Continued Success and Session Work
Luther Vandross continued to release successful R&B albums throughout the 1980s while still contributing his vocals to sessions, including work with the group Charme in 1982.
1983: Working with Dionne Warwick
In 1983, Luther Vandross had the opportunity to collaborate with his musical idol, Dionne Warwick, producing, writing for, and singing on her album "How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye." The title track duet reached No. 27 on the Hot 100 chart.
1983: Collaboration with Aretha Franklin
Luther Vandross's production and songwriting talents were sought after by legendary artists, including Aretha Franklin. He produced her Gold-certified comeback album "Jump to It" in 1983, contributing to its success.
1984: Voice Acting in 'Zack of All Trades'
In 1984, Luther Vandross voiced a cartoon character named Zack for ABC's 'Zack of All Trades', a series of three Saturday morning animated PSA spots.
December 1985: Vandross Files Libel Suit Against British Magazine
In December 1985, Vandross took legal action against a British magazine that had wrongly attributed his significant weight loss of 85 pounds to AIDS. Vandross, who had embarked on a weight loss journey earlier that year, was determined to correct the false and harmful claims made by the publication.
1985: Discovery of Jimmy Salvemini
In 1985, Luther Vandross discovered the talent of 15-year-old Jimmy Salvemini on Star Search. Vandross thought Salvemini had the perfect voice for some of his songs and contacted him, leading to a $250,000 contract with Elektra Records.
1985: Background Vocals in 'Part-Time Lover'
In 1985, Luther Vandross sang ad-libs and background vocals, along with Syreeta Wright and Philip Bailey, in Stevie Wonder's hit 'Part-Time Lover'.
January 12, 1986: Vandross Injured in Car Accident
On January 12, 1986, Vandross was involved in a serious car accident on Laurel Canyon Boulevard in Los Angeles. Vandross, driving his Mercedes-Benz, collided with two other vehicles. The accident resulted in Vandross and his passenger, Jimmy Salvemini, being hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
1986: Release of Jimmy Salvemini's Album 'Roll It'
In 1986, Jimmy Salvemini's album 'Roll It', produced by Luther Vandross and featuring appearances by Cheryl Lynn, Alfa Anderson, Phoebe Snow, and Irene Cara, was released.
1986: Chart-topping Success with "Stop to Love"
In 1986, Luther Vandross achieved his first No. 1 hit on the Billboard R&B charts with "Stop to Love," solidifying his status as a prominent figure in R&B music.
1989: Release of Compilation Album and Hit Single
In 1989, the compilation album 'The Best of Luther Vandross... The Best of Love' was released, featuring the ballad 'Here and Now', which became Luther Vandross's first single to chart in the Billboard pop chart top ten, peaking at number six.
1990: Collaboration with Whitney Houston and TV Appearance
In 1990, Luther Vandross wrote, produced, and sang background on Whitney Houston's song 'Who Do You Love' from her album 'I'm Your Baby Tonight'. He also guest-starred on the television sitcom '227' that year.
1991: Release of 'Power of Love' and Grammy Wins
In 1991, Luther Vandross released the album 'Power of Love', which spawned two top ten pop hits. He won his first Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance that year.
1992: Grammy Wins and Hit Duet with Janet Jackson
In 1992, Luther Vandross won his second Best Male R&B Vocal Grammy Award and the Grammy Award for Best R&B Song for 'Power of Love/Love Power'. His duet with Janet Jackson, 'The Best Things in Life Are Free', from the movie 'Mo' Money', also became a hit.
1993: Appearance in 'The Meteor Man'
In 1993, Luther Vandross had a brief non-speaking role in the Robert Townsend movie 'The Meteor Man', playing a hitman.
1994: Top Ten Hit with Mariah Carey and Album Release
In 1994, Luther Vandross hit the top ten again by teaming with Mariah Carey on a cover version of 'Endless Love', included on his album 'Songs'. He also appeared on 'The Lady Is a Tramp' from Frank Sinatra's 'Duets' album.
1994: Top Ten Hit with Mariah Carey and Album Release
In 1994, Luther Vandross hit the top ten again by teaming with Mariah Carey on a cover version of 'Endless Love', included on his album 'Songs'. He also appeared on 'The Lady Is a Tramp' from Frank Sinatra's 'Duets' album.
1996: Luther Vandross's Version of 'It's Hard for Me to Say'
In 1996, Luther Vandross recorded a version of 'It's Hard for Me to Say' on his album 'Your Secret Love'.
1997: Third Grammy Award and Compilation Album
At the Grammy Awards of 1997, Luther Vandross won his third Best Male R&B Vocal Award for the track 'Your Secret Love'. He also released a second greatest hits album, compiling most of his 1990s hits.
1997: Super Bowl Performance
In 1997, Luther Vandross sang the American national anthem, 'The Star-Spangled Banner', during Super Bowl XXXI at the Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans.
1997: Super Bowl Performance
In 1997, Luther Vandross sang the American national anthem, 'The Star-Spangled Banner', during Super Bowl XXXI at the Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans.
1999: Whitney Houston's Tribute to Vandross at Soul Train Awards
In a heartfelt tribute at the 1999 Soul Train Awards, Whitney Houston honored Luther Vandross with a moving performance of his song "So Amazing." Vandross, visibly touched, watched from the audience as Houston, along with Johnny Gill, El DeBarge, and Kenny Lattimore, delivered a soul-stirring rendition. This moment showcased the mutual respect and admiration between the two music icons.
July 6, 2000: Diana Ross's Return to Love Tour
On July 6, 2000, Luther Vandross made public appearances at Diana Ross's Return to Love Tour, including its opening in Philadelphia at First Union Spectrum and its final stop 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 'Man in the Mirror' alongside Usher and 98 Degrees at Jackson's 30th Anniversary special.
2001: Album Release on J Records
In 2001, Luther Vandross released his first album on Clive Davis's new label, J Records, titled 'Luther Vandross', which produced the hits 'Take You Out' and 'I'd Rather'.
2001: Reflection on "The Glow of Love"
In a 2001 interview with Vibe magazine, Luther Vandross declared "The Glow of Love" as "the most beautiful song I've ever sung in my life," highlighting its lasting impact on him.
April 16, 2003: Vandross Suffers Stroke
On April 16, 2003, Vandross suffered a severe stroke at his home in New York City. The stroke left him in a coma for nearly two months and significantly impacted his ability to speak and sing. Although he eventually regained the ability to walk, the stroke had a profound impact on his health and career.
2003: New Version of 'One Shining Moment'
In 2003, CBS Sports gave 'One Shining Moment' a new look with Luther Vandross as the new singer after the televised NCAA Men's Basketball championship. This version, without special effects like glowing basketballs and star trails, is still in use today.
2003: Release of 'Dance with My Father'
In 2003, Luther Vandross released the album 'Dance with My Father', which sold 442,000 copies in the first week and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 album chart. The title track, dedicated to Vandross's childhood memories, won the 2004 Grammy Award for Song of the Year and his fourth award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
2003: Release of "Dance with My Father"
In 2003, Luther Vandross released the heartfelt song "Dance with My Father," dedicating it to his father, who had passed away when Vandross was eight years old.
2003: Collaboration with Doc Powell
In the spring of 2003, Luther Vandross's last collaboration was on Doc Powell's song 'What's Going On', a cover of Marvin Gaye's seminal 1971 original, from Powell's album '97th and Columbus'.
May 6, 2004: Vandross' Final Public Appearance
On May 6, 2004, Luther Vandross made his last public appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show. This marked a significant moment for the singer, as his health had been declining following a stroke.
July 27, 2004: Release of "Forever, for Always, for Luther" Tribute Album
On July 27, 2004, GRP Records released "Forever, for Always, for Luther," a smooth jazz tribute album dedicated to Luther Vandross. The album featured instrumental renditions of ten of Vandross's most beloved songs, carefully arranged by Luther himself. Produced by Rex Rideout and Bud Harner, the album showcased the talent of numerous smooth jazz musicians who had collaborated with Vandross throughout his career.
2004: Luther Vandross Wins Song of the Year Grammy Award
Luther Vandross won a Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 2004 for his poignant track "Dance with My Father," recorded shortly before his passing.
2004: Grammy Wins for 'Dance with My Father'
In 2004, the title track of Luther Vandross's album 'Dance with My Father' won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year and his fourth award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. The second single from the album, 'Think About You', became the number one Urban Adult Contemporary Song of 2004.
July 1, 2005: Death of Luther Vandross
Luther Vandross passed away on July 1, 2005, leaving behind a legacy as a celebrated singer, songwriter, and record producer.
July 8, 2005: Vandross' Funeral
On July 8, 2005, Luther Vandross's funeral took place at Riverside Church in New York City. The service was a testament to his profound impact on the music industry, with renowned artists like Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick, and Cissy Houston paying their respects. Following the funeral, Vandross was laid to rest at the George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus, New Jersey.
September 20, 2005: Release of "So Amazing: An All-Star Tribute to Luther Vandross"
On September 20, 2005, a year after Vandross' passing, the music world celebrated his legacy with the release of "So Amazing: An All-Star Tribute to Luther Vandross." This star-studded album featured a constellation of music icons, 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, each offering their unique interpretations of Vandross's timeless classics. Notably, Aretha Franklin's rendition of "A House Is Not a Home" and Stevie Wonder and Beyoncé's duet of "So Amazing" both earned Grammy Awards.
August 22, 2006: Release of 'Shine' and Greatest Hits Album
On August 22, 2006, J Records released 'Shine', an upbeat R&B track that peaked at No. 31 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 10 on the Club Play chart. This track, along with 'Got You Home', was part of 'The Ultimate Luther Vandross', a greatest hits album.
November 21, 2006: Release of "Forever, for Always, for Luther Volume II"
On November 21, 2006, saxophonist Dave Koz continued the musical homage to Luther Vandross with the release of "Forever, for Always, for Luther Volume II." This album, released on Koz's own Rendezvous Entertainment label, served as a follow-up to the previous smooth jazz tribute. Produced by Rex Rideout and Bud Harner, the album featured Koz's saxophone alongside other smooth jazz artists, each interpreting Vandross's songs in their unique style.
2006: Bruce Vilanch Discusses Vandross' Sexuality
In 2006, Bruce Vilanch, a friend and colleague of Luther Vandross, revealed to Out magazine that Vandross had confided in him about being gay. Vilanch shared that Vandross preferred to keep his sexual orientation private, saying, "No one knows I'm in the life." Vilanch also mentioned that Vandross's longest romantic relationship was with a man during his time in Los Angeles.
October 16, 2007: Release of Boxed Set 'Love, Luther'
On October 16, 2007, Epic Records/J Records/Legacy Recordings released a 4-disc boxed set titled 'Love, Luther', featuring nearly all of Vandross's R&B and pop hits, unreleased live tracks, alternate versions, and outtakes. The set includes 'There's Only You', a version of which had originally appeared on the soundtrack to the 1987 film 'Made in Heaven'.
2008: Vandross Ranked Among Rolling Stone's Greatest Singers
In 2008, Vandross's legacy as a vocalist was solidified when Rolling Stone magazine placed him at number 54 on their list of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. This prestigious recognition cemented his influence on R&B and his enduring impact on the music world.
November 29, 2010: NPR Recognizes Vandross' Vocal Prowess
On November 29, 2010, NPR celebrated Luther Vandross's extraordinary vocal abilities by including him in their esteemed list of the 50 Greatest Voices in Recorded History. NPR's recognition highlighted Vandross's exceptional talent and his significant contribution to the world of music.
2010: Diana Ross's Tribute Performance and Tour
In 2010, Diana Ross performed 'It's Hard for Me to Say' as an a cappella tribute to Oprah Winfrey on her final season of The Oprah Winfrey Show. The song was later added to her successful 'More Today Than Yesterday: The Greatest Hits Tour' (2010-2012).
October 2015: Release of Re-configured Compilation Album
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 Luther Vandross' Sexuality
In December 2017, twelve years after Vandross's death, his close friend Patti LaBelle publicly confirmed that the singer was gay. This revelation shed light on Vandross's decision to keep his sexual orientation private throughout his career, a choice likely influenced by the potential impact on his largely female fanbase at the time.
April 20, 2021: Google Doodle Honors Vandross' 70th Birthday
On April 20, 2021, Google celebrated Luther Vandross's 70th birthday with a commemorative Google Doodle. The Doodle featured an animated clip set to the tune of Vandross's hit song "Never Too Much." This gesture highlighted Vandross's enduring impact on music and his global recognition.
2021: Posthumous Induction into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame
In 2021, Luther Vandross was posthumously honored with induction into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame, solidifying his place in music history.
2023: Luther Vandross Named One of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time
In 2023, Rolling Stone magazine recognized Luther Vandross's exceptional vocal talent by including him in their list of the 200 greatest singers of all time.
2024: Re-release of Luther's Albums
Both albums by the group Luther, "Luther" (1976) and "This Close to You" (1977) were re-released in 2024, allowing listeners to rediscover Vandross's early work.