There is SO much I could say about THE one and only Luther Vandross. All you have to say is “Luther” or “Lutha”(haha) to most Black people and it’s clear who you’re talking about. His voice was one of a kind, and he was immensely talented. Born Luther Ronzoni Vandross in New York City on April 20, 1951, today would have been his 70th birthday.
Luther grew up loving the girl groups of the 60s, as well as singers like Darlene Love and Dionne Warwick. From his early days of singing jingles and background vocals, to his skills as a songwriter(he wrote the CLASSIC “Everybody Rejoice/Brand New Day” from The Wiz, for example), his talent was destined to shine through. This culminated in his stint with the Italian-formed post-disco R&B group Change(a group whose music I love), which, shortly thereafter, resulted in his successful solo debut. Luther was the epitome of someone who put the work in, paid his dues, never gave up, and achieved the success and recognition that he rightly deserved.
As I mentioned in Aretha Franklin’s birthday post a few weeks ago, Luther was also blessed to be able to actually work with and/or pay homage to several of the artists that he grew up loving. He wrote and produced for Aretha(her Jump To It album), while also having the likes of Darlene Love and Cissy Houston sing background vocals on some of his songs. Additionally, he paid tribute to Dionne Warwick by recording what has really become the definitive version of one of her songs: “A House Is Not a Home”. Luther really had a knack for covering songs and having his remake end up being just as popular as, if not more popular than, the original version. Not many artists can do that.
In the same vein as my other birthday tributes, this post will focus on several favorites of mine by Luther. There are MANY, and I will try to keep this from getting too lengthy. Brief captions will accompany some of the songs. Hope you enjoy!
The Songs
This is Luther’s version of the classic anthem from The Wiz, which he wrote.
The version made famous by the cast of The Wiz. If I’m not mistaken, you hear Luther’s vocals at the very beginning of this clip. This song is a quintessential and unmistakable anthem for Black people. The words give me goosebumps. Bless Luther for this song!
“At Christmas Time”: Like I said in my posts for Diana and Mariah, I know it’s not Christmastime, but I would be remiss if I didn’t include this song(and a couple more Christmas songs later in the post too. Haha.)
“The Glow of Love”(with Change): Such a beautiful and breezy song about love, especially the first verse:flowers bloom in morning dew, and the beauty seems to say, it’s a pleasure when you treasure all that’s new and true and gay. That is just so beautiful, and the music compliments the words perfectly. Luther’s vocals are top notch(as always). I especially love the following ad libs too: gotta let you know you move me yeah, you really really do, yeah!Whew! I’m usually like “saaang Luther!” at those parts.
“Searching”(with Change): A classic dance song. The bass line is hypnotic, and Luther’s vocals are everything! I especially love the way he sings “and if you’re alone, you can make this your home if you want tooo” the last time. It’s the delivery for me.
“A House Is Not a Home”(Live at the 1988 NAACP Image Awards): Flawless performance. Luther KILLED it! The audience, which was filled with legends, was spellbound. He was paying tribute to Dionne Warwick. I remember my friends and I randomly pulling this performance up and watching it last summer. It’s that good!
“Don’t You Know That?”: “I don’t make no promises I can’t keep, and I promised myself that I’d love you forever…” No other words needed!
“The Night I Fell In Love”: Of course, it’s always Luther’s vocals for the win. But the bass on this song is ridiculous! Marcus Miller killed it. I also love how distinct Lisa Fischer’s background vocals are on it. She is amazing!
“Wait For Love”: Lyrics and vocals. I have been able to relate to the words in this song in my life. I also just adore the background vocal arrangement on this song. If I’m not mistaken, you can hear Darlene Love and Cissy Houston prominently towards the end on the repeated “wait for love” refrain.
“‘Til My Baby Comes Home”: I just love this song. It’s something about the beat and the melody.
“Make Me A Believer”: I’ve already written about this song in a post about love songs a couple months ago. No more words are needed!
“There’s Nothing Better Than Love”: I just love this song. Listen to it, and you will understand why. Just beautiful. He and Gregory Hines sounded amazing together. May they both continue to rest in peace.
“For You To Love”: One of my absolute favorite songs by Luther. Again, it’s the production and the vocals.
“Give Me The Reason”
“Power Of Love/Love Power”: Such a powerful classic.
“Anyone Who Had A Heart”: Yet another classic cover. So breathtaking.
“My Favorite Things”: As I mentioned in my birthday entry on Diana Ross, “My Favorite Things” is truly one of my favorite songs of all time. Luther’s version is my favorite rendition along with The Supremes’ version. It is so jazzy and smooth. I love it.
“The Christmas Song”: Everyone knows that Nat King Cole owns this song; however, Luther’s version is my second favorite. It is so beautiful! I love the arrangement.
“Your Secret Love”
“Shine”: I remember when this song was released. It samples Chic’s song “My Forbidden Lover”, which I adore. Though this was a posthumously released song, I always felt like that was a nice little nod to when Luther sang backgrounds for Chic.
Happy Heavenly Birthday once again to the one and only Luther Vandross!
One thought on “Happy Heavenly Birthday to Luther Vandross!”
Luther Vandross is one of my all time favorite artists. His love songs bring back so many memories of days gone by…especially my college days and my courtship and marriage to my beloved husband. Thank you for always making posts that are heartfelt and factual. I always learn something new. For instance, I didn’t know that Donnie Warrick recorded, “A House Is Not a Home”. I absolutely love Luther’s version. Whenever I want to hear some good, real music, all I have to do is go to your blog. Keep up the excellent work!♡♡♡
Luther Vandross is one of my all time favorite artists. His love songs bring back so many memories of days gone by…especially my college days and my courtship and marriage to my beloved husband. Thank you for always making posts that are heartfelt and factual. I always learn something new. For instance, I didn’t know that Donnie Warrick recorded, “A House Is Not a Home”. I absolutely love Luther’s version. Whenever I want to hear some good, real music, all I have to do is go to your blog. Keep up the excellent work!♡♡♡