R . I. P. Luther Vandross

[TinyBubbles]

Good Bless Luther Vandross, who passed away on Friday. He was a good guy who made alot of people happy!!!

[Rick Munroe]

It's sad. I saw him in 2000 when Diana Ross brought him up on stage to sing with her at the Supremes reunion concert, and even in just one song, he stole the show. That voice was always so warm and pure.

 

This, however, from the AP story, was kind of ridiculous:

 

"The lifelong bachelor never had any children, but doted on his nieces and nephews. The entertainer said his busy lifestyle made marriage difficult; besides, it wasn't what he wanted."

 

Barry Manilow says the same thing...hmmmm.

[JT Brooklyn]

R.I.P Luther..Your Music will "Always" be with us!

[Guest ReturnOfS]

Rest in peace Mr Vandross.

 

I loved his music and in truth, I think that he was one of us.

[+ Axiom2001]

>R.I.P Luther..Your Music will "Always" be with us!

 

 

 

Yes, his music will live forever! I am truly glad that I was able to see and hear him in concert a few years back! My CD's by him will play and play, and my spirits will always be lifted.

[OneFinger]

>I loved his music and in truth, I think that he was one of us.

 

This is really a huge loss. I personally feel his music was unappreciated for years.

 

As to his lifestyle, here's what Keith Boykin wrote in 2002:

 

On my first visit to Los Angeles's famous "Rosco's Chicken and Waffles" restaurant, a Rolls Royce pulled up outside the door. Out walked R&B singer Luther Vandross, accompanied by a flamboyantly dressed man my lunch partner and I assumed to be gay. We also assumed Luther Vandross was gay.

 

For many in the black community, Luther Vandross' sexual orientation has been an open secret for years. Many have assumed he's gay, but few people talked about it publicly. That is, until BET put the question to Vandross himself this month in an interview televised on its new show, "Journeys in Black." Vandross did not deny he's gay, but neither did he acknowledge it. He simply told BET it was none of their business and separated his personal life from his professional one. Thus, those who already assumed he is gay will continue with their beliefs, while those who aren't sure will remain uncertain.

 

http://www.keithboykin.com/arch/000625.html

 

Another website, Answers.Com, gives this info:

 

There has been many questions regarding Vandross' sexuality, mainly due in part of his working relationship with producer Marcus Miller. Rumors have flown since the 1980's saying that Vandross is gay. So far, the rumors have not been proven true.

 

http://www.answers.com/topic/luther-vandross

 

I personally don't care if he was gay, straight, or non-sexual. I still enjoyed his music and admired his complete dedication to his work.

[Guest rohale]

I just wanted to add in my piece to this thread without the emotions. Some people say that his music was very much ignored or unappreciated for years on end. I've always felt his music has and continues to be appreciated by the general public. His music is still very much played on the Adult Contemporary Music Stations across the United States.

 

In terms of individuals, I think the person who really appreciated him within the world of show business was probably none other than Arsenio Hall. Luther Vandross had been making records throughout the 1980' and for the most part largely ignored by the general public. It wasn't until around late 1989 when the " Arsenio Hall Show had been established as a competitor to the " Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson ". I could be wrong but I think it was probably around this time frame when Mr Vandross got his first taste of the big leagues. Just as Sammy Davis Jr had been a staple on the old Tonight Show, Luther Vandross became a staple of the Arsenio Hall Show. Had he not had this type of exposure, I doubt for the most part he would have survived in the music business.

 

When I was a freshman in college, I was always aware that the adults liked his music very much, for the most part, within the same context, I didn't knoe that many college students who liked his music. At the time U2 and REM were the music staples in college dorms. In fact I even had a roommate who used to refer to Mr Vandross as Luther Campbell from 2 Live Crew and not in a friendly way. What I did realise at the time was that the college chicks really digged his music. A little romantic dinner and his music being played in the background always provided that extra punch to cap off a perfect evening. His music always did the trick for me and no doubt about it. Long after I was done with college, I sort of allowed myself to be immersed in his music. He had such a lovely voice, a bit like a soulful trumpet.

 

Only a few days ago, I was on the road traveling and I was flipping the dial looking for a good FM station. I came across a station that was playing " Power Of Love " in tribute to his untimely passing. For me it had definitely been a long time since I had this particular song. I've always felt that at least for my own tastes, out of any song in his entire catalog, " Power Of Love " is the sort of Luther Vandross pastiche that I tend to identify with the most in his genre of music. A close second " Always And Forever " and his his last hit maker " Dancing With My Father ". Such lovely songs and performed by a man with an unmistakable voice.

 

Not to forget his attire, does anybody remember how well dressed Robert Palmer was in his music video " Addicted To Love ". I'd like to say the same for Luther Vandross, he always dressed very debonair. Furure R&B artists could learn a few things about the way Luther Vandross presented himself in public with a time honored tradition of grace and dignity. Thank goodness his music will stand the test of time.

 

Ro