Luther Ronzoni Vandross, Jr. was born on April 20, 1951, in Manhattan, New York, as the youngest of four children. His father, Luther, was an upholsterer who passed away from diabetes when Luther was just eight years old. Despite this loss, his mother, a practical nurse, ensured that music was a significant part of their household, particularly gospel, soul, and doo-wop.
Luther's older sister, Patricia, was a member of the doo-wop group The Crests, and her single "Sixteen Candles" in 1958 had a significant impact on him. In high school, Luther formed his own musical group and began writing and composing. His first notable songwriting achievement was "Everybody Rejoice (Can You Feel a Brand New Day)", which was used in the Broadway and film productions of "The Wiz".
Throughout the 1970s, Luther provided backing vocals for notable artists such as David Bowie, Chaka Khan, Barbra Streisand, Carly Simon, Bette Midler, and Donna Summer. He also sang in the film's choir selections and voiced commercial jingles for Kentucky Fried Chicken. Luther was part of a short-lived singing group called "Luther" with Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards, who later formed the group Chic.
At the age of 30, Luther released his first solo album, "Never Too Much", which reached the top of the R&B charts and the top 20 on the pop charts. He continued to release successful albums, including "Forever, for Always, for Love" (1982) and "Give Me the Reasons" (1986). In 1989, he released his first top 10 single, "Here and Now", which solidified his position as a leading love song artist.
Luther's minimalist style, characterized by his velvety renditions and effortless vocal control, led to nicknames such as "master of bedroom music" and "ladies only" act. He faced numerous personal and health issues, including a struggle with his weight, which fluctuated between 190 and 340 pounds, and a mild form of diabetes.
The singer was also the subject of persistent rumors about his sexual orientation, which he never publicly confirmed or denied. In 1986, he was involved in a fatal car accident that killed a close friend, and he was charged with vehicular manslaughter, later reduced to reckless driving.
In the 1990s, Luther experienced a resurgence in his career, with hits like "Endless Love" (1994) and "Always and Forever" (1994). He also appeared in films and television shows, including "The Meteor Man" and "Beverly Hills: 90210".
