Did any entertainer have a voice as silky-smooth as the late Luther Vandross? The singer who died at age 54 in 2005 of complications following a stroke, had few, if any peers in the recording studio and concert stage. Sadly, he also never came out publicly, but after his passing some of those close to him, including comic-writer Bruce Vilanch shared some insight into Vandross’ personal struggle. “He was way ‘in’ (the closet). He said to me, ‘No one knows I’m in the life,” Vilanch said in 2005. Writer Michael Musto offered, “A famously open gay singer/songwriter (told me) Luther was dying to have a boyfriend. It was an inside show business open secret.” It’s worth remembering that just over a decade ago it was still considered career suicide by many for a black male entertainer to reveal he was gay. Who can say what would have happened had he lived in the era where Lee Daniels and Jussie Smollett can be open and enjoy incredible success. In a related note, imagine Luther as a guest star on Empire!
Some other facts you might not know about Luther (courtesy of The Guardian):
• His first big break came when he was asked to sing the alphabet on the first episode of Sesame Street.
• In 1974, David Bowie overheard Vandross singing and hired him on the spot to sing and arrange background vocals on his Young Americans album: he co-wrote the classic “Fame” with Bowie and John Lennon.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
• Vandross was an in-demand backup singer, having recorded with Bette Midler, Ringo Star, Chic and even on the Barbra Streisand-Donna Summer duet “No More Tears (Enough is Enough).”
• He helped the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin launch a huge comeback in 1982 by writing and producing her hit album Jump To It.
So pay your respects on what would have been a joyful 65th birthday and enjoy highlights of his musical legacy.
Vandross properly launched his solo career with “Never Too Much,” which garnered Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male.
His 1985 ballad “Here and Now” won Vandross his first Grammy for Male R&B Vocal Performance.
One of his biggest chart successes was the buoyant 1986 hit “Stop to Love.”
His live rendition of “A House Is Not a Home” in 1988 is guaranteed to send you chills down your spine.
Vandross won both American Music Awards and a Grammy Award for 1991’s stirring “Power of Love (Love Power).”
“Dance With My Father” was the title track of his final studio album, which was released in 2003, two years before his death.
Kangol
One of the greatest ever. Rest in peace and keep singing, Luther Vandross!
Bob LaBlah
Wow! Sounds like ol’ Luther didn’t die broke. I had a “special” friend who used to put on “Love Won’t Let Me Wait” when we got “together”. Lord, those were the days.
A little footnote to his stroke. I remember a story from either Jet or Ebony (lets just say a magazine, ok) that said those extreme weight loss swings Luther put himself thru every six months or so to trim down and look fit are what led to his stroke. He already had high blood pressure and working himself out like he did (he actually did have washboard abs in one episode of his work-out obsessions) he put himself in line with an inevitable stroke. I say it is better to look your natural self when the stakes are that high.
He was the champ of love ballads. Imagine how many babes were made listening to him. I know if I could and the way I felt I would have….lets just say I wouldn’t be alone like I am now. I knew he was gay as should any other fool but I think he was smart. I wouldn’t have put my Rolls, private plane, Manhattan apartment nor Beverly Hills mansion on the line for revealing what was no ones business but his.
Xzamilio
“Here and Now”; “Always and Forever”;”One Night with You”; “So Amazing”; “Forever, For Always, For Love (only Lalah Hathaway has managed to do a Luther Vandross song the justice it deserves) … if you aren’t crying at the end of his song wishing you had real love, you’re either already with someone or just bittuh.
Vortece
He sang lead on “The Glow of Love” and “Searching” by Change circa 1980. Hit number 1 on the disco/dance charts. That’s the first time I remember hearing him.
dwes09
@Xzamilio: That’s only because Lalah Hathaway can pretty much sing anything…no filters, no autotune, just skill (like her father).
Bob LaBlah
@Vortece: If you remember those two songs when they were hits then I am sure you remember a turntable call the Accutrak 4000. It was the first turntable that could automatic go to what ever cut on the album you wanted to hear and you found program it to play whatever cut as many times as you wanted. A friend of mine got one back in 1980 and literally played the words off of that vinyl record. I thank you for your comment because I was just thinking about him (my friend) last night.
He BGB
I think so much of this closet stuff comes from being in a conservative family ie., religious, and they would rather sacrifice their true happiness than “disappoint” mom and/or daddy. Not all have a mom like rupauls. I think that’s tyler perry’s problem. Afraid hewill hurt his mom.
dinard38
@Xzamilio: “The Night I Fell in Love”, “Wait For Love”, “You Stopped Loving Me”, “Anyone Who Had a Heart”, “Any Love”, “My Sensitivity”….oh hell..the entire “The Night I Fell in Love” album. I LOVE me some Luther.
Xzamilio
Goddammit and not we just lost Prince… good lord, man. Another legend gone too damn soon.
Xzamilio
*now
Bob LaBlah
@Xzamilio………thanks for that update. I was hoping against all hope you were making a sick joke and my fingers were actually shaking when I started my google search. This one hits home because he and I are less than one year apart and I remember him from the wild 1980’s.
Moritz
I have been fans of many a pop singer over the years. But Luther is the only one whose death actually brought me to tears. I sat it my car, in a Home Depot parking lot, on the day he died. First I heard the news, then they started playing the Power of Love. I sang along with tears in my eyes, knowing that this kind and gentle man died having not really known a great love. So ironic, since his love ballads were some of the most beautiful I have ever heard.
We love and miss you Luther, all these years later. And we all still believe in the power of love, just like you did.