Love has truly been good to me
Not even one sad day
Or minute I had since you come my way
I hope you know I gladly go
Anywhere you take me
It’s so amazing to be loved
I’d follow you to the moon in the sky above
When it comes to music, some songs and people are timeless. The person who sang the above lyrics is the epitome of timeless. If you aren’t aware of who I am speaking about…that person is Luther Vandross: the Velvet Voice, the Best Voice of a Generation, the Pavarotti of Pop.
Luther Vandross is quite honestly the best male vocalist…EVER. I know when I say this, I will get pushback and I kinda don’t care. No, Luther was not a Michael (he didn’t dance around the stage). He was no Prince (he didn’t play instruments). However, Luther could sing both of them UNDER THE TABLE. He provided background vocals to such artists as Bette Midler, Barbra Streisand, Donna Summer, Diana Ross and David Bowie. During his career, Luther Vandross sold 35 million albums, won 8 Grammys and 8 American Music Awards. He received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2014.
The loss of Luther was a huge blow to R&B music. There are many great vocalists out there (Luke James, Johnny Gill, Jaheim, Bilal just to name a few) but just like there will never be another Whitney Houston, there will NEVER be another Luther Vandross.
As Black Music Month comes to a close, I would behoove you to pick up 2003’s Live from Radio City Music Hall, 2006’s Ultimate Luther Vandross compilation or 2001’s self-titled album. The Radio City Music Hall Album was recorded at a concert he had two months before he had his serious devastating stroke. This album marks his LAST live concert.
The 2001 album I recommend based on the strength of the song “I Rather”. Here are some of the lyrics:
I’d rather have bad times with you, than good times with someone else
I’d rather be beside you in a storm, than safe and warm by myself
I’d rather have hard times together, than to have it easy apart
I’d rather have the one who holds my heart
If you have never heard this song…well…have a listen:
