Luther Vandross Dead at 54 - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

maleficent · 07-01-2005, 04:11 PM

Luther Vandross Dead
CNN) -- Legendary R&B artist Luther Vandross, whose smooth, silky voice gave soul to songs about life, love and relationships, died Friday. He was 54 years old.

The popular crooner suffered a debilitating stroke in April 2003. Even so, his album "Dance With My Father," co-written with Richard Marx, sold nearly a million copies in its first month of release that June. The album won him four Grammy Awards, half his lifetime total, including song of the year.

Vandross died at JFK Medical Center in Edison, New Jersey at 1:47 p.m. ET, surrounded by family, friends and a medical support team, a statement from the hospital said.

Alluding to the stroke, "which he never fully recovered from," hospital spokesman Rob Cavanaugh said, "Throughout his illness, Luther received excellent medical care and attention from his medical team. Luther was deeply touched by all the thoughts and wishes from his fans."

Vandross' songs and emotionally charged ballads carry a signature sound. During his four-decade career, Vandross sold more than 25 million copies, each one of his 14 albums achieving either platinum or multi-platinum status.

Luther Ronzoni Vandross was born into a New York City family steeped in the traditions of gospel and soul. He began his career writing and performing jingles for television commercials. He even appeared on "Sesame Street" in October 1969.

It was after a chance meeting with David Bowie at a recording studio in 1975 that Vandross was asked to sing backup on Bowie's hit album, "Young Americans."

Later, Vandross served as Bowie's opening act.

Vandross also sang backup for Bette Midler and Barbra Streisand.

When record companies rejected him, Vandross used his own money to produce his 1981 debut album, "Never Too Much."

It went on to top the R&B charts and sold 2 million copies.

Other hit singles followed, like "Any Love" and "Here and Now."

Vandross struggled with health and image problems, claiming that he lost 100 pounds -- 13 times. He suffered from hypertension and diabetes, which killed two siblings and his father, but refused to slow down until his stroke two years ago.
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I really enjoyed his music... RIP Luther...

SpikeQX99 · 07-01-2005, 04:41 PM

Wow.. What a shame..

Never like to hear news such as this.

RIP Luther.

JustJess · 07-01-2005, 07:13 PM

So sad to hear. Luther brought a lot of joy to many, many people...and I'm sure he helped create a lot of babies in the process.

His voice was silky smooth and he had such a delicate approach. "Here and Now" is one of my faves of his. Rest in peace - your long day is over.

07-01-2005, 04:11 PM	#1 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	Luther Vandross Dead at 54 Luther Vandross Dead CNN) -- Legendary R&B artist Luther Vandross, whose smooth, silky voice gave soul to songs about life, love and relationships, died Friday. He was 54 years old. The popular crooner suffered a debilitating stroke in April 2003. Even so, his album "Dance With My Father," co-written with Richard Marx, sold nearly a million copies in its first month of release that June. The album won him four Grammy Awards, half his lifetime total, including song of the year. Vandross died at JFK Medical Center in Edison, New Jersey at 1:47 p.m. ET, surrounded by family, friends and a medical support team, a statement from the hospital said. Alluding to the stroke, "which he never fully recovered from," hospital spokesman Rob Cavanaugh said, "Throughout his illness, Luther received excellent medical care and attention from his medical team. Luther was deeply touched by all the thoughts and wishes from his fans." Vandross' songs and emotionally charged ballads carry a signature sound. During his four-decade career, Vandross sold more than 25 million copies, each one of his 14 albums achieving either platinum or multi-platinum status. Luther Ronzoni Vandross was born into a New York City family steeped in the traditions of gospel and soul. He began his career writing and performing jingles for television commercials. He even appeared on "Sesame Street" in October 1969. It was after a chance meeting with David Bowie at a recording studio in 1975 that Vandross was asked to sing backup on Bowie's hit album, "Young Americans." Later, Vandross served as Bowie's opening act. Vandross also sang backup for Bette Midler and Barbra Streisand. When record companies rejected him, Vandross used his own money to produce his 1981 debut album, "Never Too Much." It went on to top the R&B charts and sold 2 million copies. Other hit singles followed, like "Any Love" and "Here and Now." Vandross struggled with health and image problems, claiming that he lost 100 pounds -- 13 times. He suffered from hypertension and diabetes, which killed two siblings and his father, but refused to slow down until his stroke two years ago. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I really enjoyed his music... RIP Luther... __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

07-01-2005, 04:41 PM	#2 (permalink)
SpikeQX99 The Best thing that never happened to you Location: Silverdale, WA	Wow.. What a shame.. Never like to hear news such as this. RIP Luther. __________________ I'm so in love with a girl... she is my everything

07-01-2005, 07:13 PM	#3 (permalink)
JustJess Unencapsulated Location: Kittyville	So sad to hear. Luther brought a lot of joy to many, many people...and I'm sure he helped create a lot of babies in the process. His voice was silky smooth and he had such a delicate approach. "Here and Now" is one of my faves of his. Rest in peace - your long day is over. __________________ My heart knows me better than I know myself, so I'm gonna let it do all the talkin'.