I cannot believe that it has been over eleven years, since perhaps the greatest voice of our generation passed away. I know that many more famous entertainers have passed in that time period, like Michael Jackson, David Bowie and Prince, and while others have been more popular, know one has ever possessed a more pure, beautiful voice.
In 1980 a large ensemble group Change released its debut studio album “Glow of Love” featuring the vocals of an unknown https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3K-G8zhajk
After the success Change experienced, Luther signed a solo deal and in 1982 he released his debut album with the same titled single “Never Too Much”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNj9bXKGOiI An R & B Star was born.
There were only seven tracks on the album, but all were worthwhile, with “A House Is Not A Home” as one of the most noteworthy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGib6okEeZ4&list=PLItHMwrL5zg9piGUlYFoDFwHUrbPxo21y
This is not the anniversary of his death or his birthday. Several recent conversations let me know that there are far too many people who claim to love and know R & B music and love songs are not familiar enough with the best to ever do it.
I practiced in the entertainment industry for many years. I have had both the privilege and misery to sit in on many live showcases and studio session. Luther was no studio musician with constant punching in and retakes or autotune. He had a voice as pure as any across every genre and his notes and clarity live in concert would ruin you for hearing others. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZ9UHdyZcog&index=6&list=PLlx6KT74qHxKq5Itaan-cfn5iaJ2k9Bz- (Love Won’t Let Me Wait-Live)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Er74vU2I9c&list=PLlx6KT74qHxKq5Itaan-cfn5iaJ2k9Bz-&index=14 (“If Only For One Night”) and
He has been part of some of the best most soulful ballads including (If This World Were Mine w/Cheryl Lynn) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NR-q4Gvdp0o and (I Who Have Nothing w/Martha Wash) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urCn2xIXOs0
He has remade numerous songs, including those like Karen Carpenter’s (Superstar-Until You Come Back To Me) and simply turned them into his own classics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TynG9irs7w&index=20&list=PLlx6KT74qHxKq5Itaan-cfn5iaJ2k9Bz-
(Anyone Who Had A Heart) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TynG9irs7w&index=20&list=PLlx6KT74qHxKq5Itaan-cfn5iaJ2k9Bz-
I only provided a sampling of his work. If soulful R & B and ballads are your thing, Luther Vandross should be heavy in your rotation.
If you are a romantic or just an old soul Luther should be on your consistent playlist. He made quintessential baby making music. The lyrics, the music, the voice, could be anyone antidote to the monotony of Netflix and Chill. Many of you already know what I am referring to, and for those that are less familiar…try him out… You can thank me later.
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