Today, April 20th, a google doodle has been created for late American RnB singer Luther Ronzoni Vandross to celebrate his 70th posthumous birthday.
Luther Vandross died in 2005 from a heart attack at 54. As fans remember the “velvet voice” singer for his romantic hit songs, we’ve put together some interesting facts about him
He never married and didn’t have any children
Despite his sonorous love ballads that ruled the world during his era, Vandross was never married and did not have a child. He also never publicly committed to anyone. This caused many in the industry to question his sexuality and he was rumoured to be gay. In 2017, his long-time friend Patti LaBelle confirmed those rumours, saying he was indeed gay. LaBelle said “The Dance With My Father” singer didn’t however reveal his sexuality because he was afraid it would hurt his career.
“We talked about it. Basically, he did not want his mother to be – although she might have known, but he wasn’t going to come out and say this to the world,” LaBelle revealed in an interview with Andy Cohen. “And he had a lot of lady fans and he told me he just didn’t want to upset the world.”
It was also later revealed that his longest relationship was with a man.
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Discography
Vandross was encouraged by his mother to follow music at a very tender age having being inspired by music greats, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross. Beginning his career on Broadway, the singer caught his big break as part of the theater group, Listen My Brother, which made several appearances on the first season of Sesame Street.
His first solo studio album Never Too Much” released in 1981 became a smattering success receiving massive airplay globally. Vandross released 16 studio albums between 1981 and 2004 racking in 8 Grammy awards. His most successful album “Dance with my father” released in 2003 won four Grammys out of five nominations. He is considered one of the greatest singers of all time.
He produced for Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin
Vandross was also a master mixer and producer. He is credited for producing successful albums for Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin, who, along with the Supremes, influenced his music.
Luther Vandross died on July 5th, 2005 from a heart attack after suffering a stroke the previous.
Here’s a mix of some of his biggest hits
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