Luther Vandross's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Luther Vandross.

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

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.

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.

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."