Luther Vandross Biography

Luther Vandross

R&B singer
Born: 4/20/1951
Birthplace: New York City

Vandross first found a niche in the music business by singing backup vocals for stars such as David Bowie, Ringo Starr, Barbra Streisand, and Donna Summer. In his trademark romantic, soulful style, he recorded 15 albums and has topped the R&B charts with hits such as “Never Too Much” (1981), “Stop to Love” (1986), and “There's Nothing Better Than Love” (1987, a duet with Gregory Hines). Recent albums include Songs (1994), Your Secret Love (1996), and “I Know” (1998). Vandross won a Grammy in 1991 for the song “Power of Love.” He suffered a life-threatening stroke in April 2003 and received four 2003 Grammy wins, including one for song of the year for “Dance With My Father.”

Died: 7/1/2005