Luther Vandross was the defining voice of his generation — a singer, songwriter, and producer whose gift for love songs and unparalleled vocal artistry made him one of the most beloved artists of all time.
Luther Vandross was the defining voice of his generation. Responsible for the era’s most enduring love songs, he crafted our soundtrack and gave us words to express our love, our vulnerability, and our joy. With unparalleled vocals, raw emotion, and unmatched charm, Vandross captured the essence of love’s power like no one else. Few could match his creative prowess as a songwriter, producer, and arranger. Equally impressive, he was an unrivaled interpreter, with his “velvet voice” consistently breathing new life into classic songs. From 1981 to 1996, Vandross amassed a staggering 11 consecutive platinum albums and 26 Top Ten R&B singles, making him one of the most consistent hitmakers of all time.
Vandross got his start at Harlem’s legendary Apollo Theater. By the early 1970s, he was an in-demand backing vocalist, songwriter, and arranger – most notably as David Bowie’s collaborator on Young Americans, which included the co-written “Fascination,” based on a Vandross original. His 1981 debut album, Never Too Much, showcased his formula for superstardom – a balance of originals (“Never Too Much”) and definitive reinterpretations (Dionne Warwick’s “A House Is Not a Home”). Throughout the 1980s, Vandross crossed over to the pop charts (“Here and Now”), worked as a producer for Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and Diana Ross, and continued polishing his skills as an incomparable interpreter (“Superstar,” “Endless Love”).
In 2003, he released Dance With My Father, debuting at Number One and earning Song of the Year for the autobiographical title track. Tragically, Luther Vandross passed away in 2005 at the age of 54 – a seismic loss. That same year saw the release of a Grammy-winning tribute album, featuring Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Usher, Stevie Wonder, and Alicia Keys, among others.
In 2026, Kendrick Lamar’s Number One hit “luther,” a love-letter homage which sampled Vandross’ “If This World Were Mine,” earned the Grammy for Record of the Year. As Vandross poignantly shared at his final Grammy appearance in 2004, “When I say goodbye, it’s never for long, because I believe in the Power of Love” – a promise of his permanent place in our hearts. Lovers around the world owe a debt to Luther Vandross.
Forever, for always, for Luther.
Nominee: Luther Vandross