IT HAPPENED ON THIS DATE! Today, June 3, 2014, Luther Vandross received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. For a man who sold well over 25 million records in his lifetime, won eight Grammy Awards and functioned as R&B’s chairman of the board for the better part of two decades, Luther Vandross goes strangely undermentioned today as a giant of urban music. Thanks to his seemingly effortless talent, Vandross experienced a lengthy career in music long before he cut his first record. In addition to work as a producer and a flourishing side career as a singer of radio and TV jingles, Vandross was nearly omnipresent in the late ’70s as a background singer. Ironically, considering his initial lack of pop crossover appeal as a solo artist, Vandross was particularly adept at straddling genres, appearing on albums by Chic, Carly Simon, Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, Quincy Jones, Sister Sledge and Average White Band. A featured spotlight on David Bowie’s “Young Americans” even led to a supporting slot with the Thin White Duke on tour. In advance of his 1981 solo debut “Never Too Much,” Vandross hooked up with former high school classmate (and nephew of jazz legend Cannonball Adderley) Nat Adderley Jr. and jazz bassist Miller, who also worked frequently with Miles Davis throughout the decade. The three would be inseparable collaborators for the rest of Vandross’ career, racking up seven straight R&B No. 1 albums in 1981-91, and finally notching a Billboard No. 1 in 2003 with “Dance With My Father.” “Luther’s unparalleled voice and forever romantic tunes such as “Never Too Much,” “Power Of Love”, “Here And Now,” “House Is Not A Home,” “So Amazing” and “Dance With My Father” are known the world over,” stated Leron Gubler, President of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and emcee of the ceremonies. “We are honored to hold this dedication for a very special performer whose music will resonate for all time.” Vandross’ niece Seveda Williams and longtime friend Alfonso “Fonzi” Thornton accepted the star on the singer’s behalf at 1717 Vine Street, where the star was unveiled. The late R&B legend who died in 2005 at age 54 after complications from suffering a severe stroke two years prior, received 31 Grammy nominations and 8 wins, as well as, 8 American Music Awards. His love ballads touched many and will forever be remembered.
Posted on: Wed, 04 Jun 2014 03:47:40 +0000
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