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Photo of Luther Vandross

Luther Vandross

Actor, Additional Credits
Died July 1, 2005 (54 years)
Designated the "heartbeat" of R&B during the 1980s and 1990s, Luther Vandross led a productive singing and song writing life.

At age 30, he finally recorded his first solo album with the No. 1 R&B and "Top 20" pop chart maker, "Never Too Much". He continued steadily with such albums as "Forever, for Always, for Love" in 1982 and "Give Me the Reasons" (1986), but it wasn't until 1989 that he had his first "Top 10" single with "Here and Now" (No. 6), which finally placed him securely on the love song pedestal. Such other No. 1 R&B singles would include "Stop to Love", "There's Nothing Better than Love" and "Any Love".

The 1990s seemed, career-wise, stronger than ever again with a Top 40 hit duetting with Mariah Carey in 1994 on "My Endless Love" and the release of his No. 1 R&B signature version of "Always and Forever" (1994).

On camera film and TV acting appearances include a cameo in Robert Townsend's motion picture The Meteor Man (1993) and episodes of "Beverly HIlls 90210 (as himself) and "Touched by an Angel." A documentary, Luther Vandross: Always and Forever (1994), is also available. Throughout his career, Luther continued to write and produce for other artists including Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick, Teddy Pendergrass, Cheryl Lynn and Aretha Franklin. Following his massive April 2003 stroke, he made a phantom return to the spotlight with the release of his 2003 CD "Dance With My Father", which was recorded prior to his illness. At the awards show, the absent Luther was rewarded with four Grammys, including song of the year. The success also gave him his first No. 1 album on the pop chart and four NAACP Image Awards.

The beloved 54-year-old musician died at JFK Medical Centre in Edison, New Jersey, of his lingering complications and was survived by his Evangelist mother, Mary Ida Vandross, who was instrumental in promoting her son's last work to Grammy glory following his severe debilitation.
Known For
  • Eureeka's Castle

Filmography

2024
Luther: Never Too Much · as Self (archive Footage)
2022
Roberta · as Self
2022
Moonage Daydream · as Self
2021
2021
2021
2017
2013
2013
2006
2004
2004
2002
Best of Bowie · as Self (segment "young Americans")
2002
2001
2001
7th Annual BET Walk of Fame · as Self - Performer
2001
2001
2001
2000
106 & Park (TV Series) · as Self
2000
2000
2000
1999
The Early Show (TV Series) · as Self - Guest
1999
1998
Hollywood Squares (1998) (TV Series) · as Self - Panelist
1998
1998
Essence Awards · as Self
1997
Super Bowl XXXI · as Self - National Anthem Performer
1996
1996
The Rosie O'Donnell Show (TV Series) · as Self - Guest
1995
The History of Rock 'n' Roll (TV Series) · as Self
1994
1994
1993
Late Show with David Letterman (TV Series) · as Self
1993
1992
Later... with Jools Holland (TV Series) · as Self
1992
The Big Breakfast (TV Series) · as Self
1992
Out All Night (TV Series) · as Self
1992
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (TV Series) · as Self - Musical Guest
1992
1992
1992
Comic Relief V · as Self
1992
The 34th Annual Grammy Awards · as Self - Performer
1991
1991
Voices That Care · as Self - Choir Member
1991
The 33rd Annual Grammy Awards · as Self - Winner
1990
1990
In Living Color (TV Series) · as Self
1990
Intimate Portrait (TV Series) · as Self
1990
1990
1989
Geld oder Liebe (TV Series) · as Self
1989
The Arsenio Hall Show (TV Series) · as Self - Guest
1988
Flitterabend (TV Series) · as Self - Singer
1988
Family Feud (1988) (TV Series) · as Self - Celebrity Contestant
1988
20th NAACP Image Awards · as Self - Performer
1988
1987
Biography (TV Series) · as Self
1987
1987
19th Annual NAACP Image Awards · as Self - Presenter
1986
The Oprah Winfrey Show (TV Series) · as Self - Guest
1985
1981
Wetten, dass..? (TV Series) · as Self - Musician
1980
Solid Gold (TV Series) · as Self
1980
A Capitol Fourth (TV Series) · as Self
1978
An Audience With (TV Series) · as Self
1975
Saturday Night Live (TV Series) · as Self - Musical Guest
1971
Soul Train (TV Series) · as Self
1964
Top of the Pops (TV Series) · as Self
1962
1952
American Bandstand (TV Series) · as Self
1952
Today (TV Series) · as Self - Guest

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