Luther Vandross Dispels Rumors About His Health At Music Fest

Jet, July 24, 2000

Famed crooner Luther Vandross set the record straight about his weight and his health at the recent Essence Music Festival in New Orleans.

The soul singer has trimmed down considerably, prompting speculation about his health.

"I exercise five days a week, I eat 1,000 calories a day, I lost 124 pounds and there ain't nothing wrong with me," Vandross told the crowd at the Louisiana Superdome.

The singer also took a swipe at gossip hounds and widespread rumors that he had died.

"It makes me feel good when I sing this song," Vandross said by way of introduction to his If Only For One Night.

"And I sound real good for somebody who's dead."