In an upcoming issue of Out Magazine, friends of Luther Vandross reveal he was gay. Michael Musto, one of Vandross' friends quoted in the story, says "Luther was dying to have a boyfriend. It was an inside showbusiness open secret."

Those pesky gay rumors dogged Vandross much of his professional life; although Vandross' family members are clawing their eyes out in horror at this revelation, we applaud his friends for giving other gay black performers an inspiration to express themselves while they are still alive. We imagine finding love was hard for Vandross. Let’s hope it wasn’t the single life that finally did the poor guy in.

Luther Vandross' gay secret [Star Pulse]