Remembering Luther Vandross: 1951-2005

He had a voice like liquid velvet. And a way of caressing a ballad that made legions of star-struck listeners inclined to recline. Luther Vandross and his signature sound defined an era of romance for a generation coming of age. His sudden death July 1, 2005, at age 54 left no heir apparent to the throne vacated by the prolific singer-songwriter-producer.

The New Jersey medical center where he died issued an official statement saying Vandross "never fully recovered" from a stroke he suffered at his Manhattan apartment on April 16, 2003, just four days before his 52nd birthday.

Official reports say he died of a heart attack, which is apt, because his sudden departure from the music world left his fans brokenhearted. They loved him and he loved them back. Thousands braved long lines and drenching skies to bid him a fond farewell at Riverside Church in New York.

During the three-hour funeral, more than a dozen notables--including his diva friends, Patti LaBelle, Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin and Cissy Houston--and other noted music legends such as Stevie Wonder, celebrated Vandross' life in word and song. The Rev. Dr. Henrietta Carter, the family's minister, delivered the eulogy. The Rev. Dr. Carl Flemister, who baptized Vandross, said the singer "preached hope." Friends and family members also shared fond stories of the famous singer they knew simply as Uncle Ronnie or Ronnie.

Luther Ronzoni Vandross was born in New York City in 1951 and was the youngest of four children. His father died when he was 7, and all his siblings preceded him in death. A lifelong bachelor, he is survived by his mother, Mary Ida Vandross.

In 1972, a song Vandross wrote, "Everybody Rejoice," was included in the Broadway musical The Wiz. One of his biggest early breaks came when he landed a gig singing backup for David Bowie. He soon became a sought-after backup vocalist and arranger, working with such artists as Roberta Flack, Bette Midler and Barbra Streisand, and he was also one of the most popular jingle singers of his era.

His reign rose as the disco era was fading, and for more than 20 years, it was his voice that was the soundtrack of modern romance. His 1981 debut "Never Too Much" was a million-seller, and through the 1980's he recorded a string of platinum albums, including Forever, For Always, For Love, Busy Body and The Night I Fell in Love.

Vandross' The Best of Love, included his song "Here and Now," his first Grammy-winning hit, which later became a signature wedding song. He won every conceivable musical award, including eight Grammy Awards, numerous Soul Train, BET, NAACP Image and American Music Awards.

His last album, Dance With My Father, received four Grammy Awards (including song of the year for the title song "Dance With My Father") and has generated worldwide sales exceeding 3 million copies.

Vandross was also a prolific songwriter and producer for such musical legends as Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Whitney Houston and Dionne Warwick. It was Franklin's heart-wrenching rendition of "Amazing Grace" that nearly turned the service from memorial to revival. And it was Cissy Houston's interpretation of the spiritual "Deep River" and the legendary Stevie Wonder's powerful rendition of the gospel standard "I Won't Complain" that made mourners leap up and shout.

It was simply amazing to view the outpouring of love and affection for the unforgettable balladeer as he was serenaded by an eclectic and multigenerational group of current legends and up-and-coming legends all singing Vandross' mega-hit, "Power of Love/Love Power." The artists included Franklin, LaBelle, Warwick, Houston, Wonder, Usher, Alicia Keys, Ashford and Simpson, Melba Moore, Patti Austin, Freddie Jackson, Cheryl Lynn, Nona Hendryx and others.

In the end it was his music that sustained the crowd, and his rich musical legacy will continue to sustain his family, his musical family and his loyal fans. "When history books are written, I'd like it to be said that I am one of the premier singers of our time," Vandross said in a television interview.

And in that book, "between each line of pain and glory," to quote Gladys Knight, another close friend and one of his favorites, he will be remembered

well because he was one of the best things to ever happen to music.

COPYRIGHT 2005 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group