Questions
When and where was Luther Vandross born?
He was born April 20, 1951, in New York City, at Bellevue Hospital in the Kips Bay neighborhood. He taught himself piano at age three.
How did Luther get his start in music?
He began as a session vocalist in 1972, singing backing vocals for artists like Roberta Flack, David Bowie, and Donna Summer before going solo.
Did he really sing on David Bowie records?
Yes. Early in his career Vandross provided background vocals for David Bowie, and he also sang on Chic disco hits including "Le Freak" and "Everybody Dance."
What commercial jingles did he sing?
Before his solo fame, Vandross sang jingles for NBC, Mountain Dew, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Burger King, and Juicy Fruit from 1977 into the early 1980s.
What was his first solo album?
His debut solo album, "Never Too Much," was released in 1981 on Epic Records and topped the R&B Albums chart.
How did the group Change launch his solo career?
Vandross sang lead on Change’s "The Glow of Love" in 1980, but reportedly declined to return for their next album over pay. That decision led directly to his Epic Records deal and solo breakout.
How many records did Luther Vandross sell?
He sold over 40 million records worldwide and earned 11 consecutive RIAA-certified platinum albums.
How many Grammy Awards did he win?
Vandross won 8 Grammy Awards over his career.
What are his most famous songs?
Signature songs include "Never Too Much," "Here and Now," "Any Love," "Power of Love/Love Power," and "So Amazing," along with his iconic rendition of "A House Is Not a Home."
Who did he record duets with?
He recorded "Endless Love" with Mariah Carey (peaked at number two) and "The Best Things in Life Are Free" with Janet Jackson, which topped the R&B chart.
What is the story behind "Dance with My Father"?
The 2003 title track, inspired by childhood memories of his father, won the 2004 Grammy Award for Song of the Year, co-written with Richard Marx. "Dance with My Father" was his only album to reach number one on the Billboard 200.
Why did he sue a magazine in the 1980s?
In 1985 Vandross filed a libel suit against a British magazine that attributed his 85-pound weight loss to AIDS. He had weighed 325 pounds when he started dieting.
What happened with his 1986 car accident?
On January 12, 1986, Vandross veered across a double yellow line on Laurel Canyon Boulevard and collided with two cars. His passenger Larry Salvemini was reportedly killed, and Vandross pleaded no contest to reckless driving.
How did his career end?
Vandross suffered a severe stroke on April 16, 2003, and died of a heart attack on July 1, 2005, at age 54. He accepted his 2004 Grammy in a pre-taped video.
What is his legacy today?
In 2024 Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s number one single "Luther" sampled his rendition of "If This World Were Mine," and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2026.
