Luther Vandross was born on April 20, 1951, in New York City, NY, to Mary and Luther Sr. He was the youngest of four children and from a young age, it was clear that he had a gift for music. His soulful voice and undeniable talent would later earn him the title of one of the greatest R&B singers of all time.
As a teenager, Vandross had the opportunity to perform at the legendary Apollo Theater as part of the group Shades of Jade. It was during these formative years that he honed his craft and developed his signature smooth and velvety sound.
After high school, Vandross enrolled at Western Michigan University but ultimately decided to drop out to pursue music full-time. This decision would prove to be the right one, as he soon found success as a background singer for artists like David Bowie and Bette Midler.
In the late 1970s, Vandross formed the group Change and released several hit songs, including "The Glow of Love." However, it was his solo career that would truly launch him into stardom. In 1981, he released his debut album, "Never Too Much," which featured the title track that would become one of his most iconic songs.
Over the next two decades, Vandross would go on to release a string of successful albums, including "Give Me the Reason" and "The Night I Fell in Love." His music resonated with audiences around the world, earning him millions of fans and accolades.
Despite his immense success, Vandross remained a private person and kept details of his personal life out of the spotlight. He was known for his warm personality and love for his family and friends.
Tragically, Vandross struggled with health issues throughout his life, including diabetes and obesity. Despite these challenges, he continued to make music and inspire others with his soulful voice.
Luther Vandross sold over twenty-five million records and won eight Grammy Awards throughout his career. His impact on the music industry is undeniable, and his music continues to be celebrated and cherished by fans around the world.
On July 1, 2005, Vandross passed away at the age of 54, leaving behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. His influence on R&B and soul music is immeasurable, and his voice will forever be remembered as one of the greatest of all time.
Luther Vandross may be gone, but his music lives on, touching the hearts of generations to come. His legacy as the voice of R&B will continue to inspire and uplift music lovers for years to come.
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