If you’re a fan of R&B and soul ballads, then you’ve probably heard of Luther Vandross – one of the greatest voices in the history of music. And if you’re a fan of tap dancing, then you’ve probably heard of Gregory Hines – one of the most respected dancers in the entertainment industry. These two legendary artists came together to collaborate on a song that has become a classic – “There’s Nothing Better Than Love.”
Released in 1986 on Vandross’s album “Give Me the Reason,” “There’s Nothing Better Than Love” is a beautiful ballad about the power of love. With Vandross’s smooth vocals and Hines’s tap dancing skills, the song became an instant classic and remains a fan favorite to this day. In this post, we’ll explore the story behind this iconic collaboration and why it continues to touch hearts and inspire people around the world.
The Story Behind the Collaboration
Luther Vandross and Gregory Hines first crossed paths in 1981 when they were both working on the film “The Cotton Club.” Hines was one of the stars of the film, while Vandross was a featured performer on the soundtrack. While they didn’t work directly together on the project, the two artists hit it off and quickly became friends.
Over the next few years, they would bump into each other at various events and award shows. They even got the chance to work together a few times, with Hines tapping along as Vandross performed on stage. It wasn’t until 1986 that they finally had the opportunity to collaborate on a project together – “There’s Nothing Better Than Love.”
The song was actually written by Vandross himself, along with his frequent collaborator, Marcus Miller. Vandross had already recorded a demo of the song, but he felt like it needed something extra to make it stand out. That’s when he had the idea to enlist Hines’s tap dancing skills to bring the song to life.
According to Vandross, Hines was a natural fit for the project. He said, “Gregory is one of the most musical people I’ve ever met. He has a great sense of rhythm, and his style of dancing is very musical in a way that compliments my style of singing.”
The collaboration was a huge success, with “There’s Nothing Better Than Love” becoming one of the biggest hits of Vandross’s career. The song reached the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent several weeks at the top of the R&B charts. It also earned Vandross and Hines a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
The Legacy of “There’s Nothing Better Than Love”
Today, “There’s Nothing Better Than Love” remains a beloved song that has touched countless people’s hearts. The combination of Vandross’s smooth vocals and Hines’s tap dancing skills is truly magical and makes the song stand out from other ballads of its time. But what makes the song so special is the message it conveys.
As Vandross himself said, “There’s a lot of negativity in the world, but love is the one thing that can bring us all together.” “There’s Nothing Better Than Love” is a testament to the power of love and the importance of friendship. It’s a celebration of the joy and happiness that can come from being in love and the comfort that can come from having someone by your side.
The legacy of “There’s Nothing Better Than Love” is evident in the many covers and samples that have been done over the years. The song has been covered by artists such as Boyz II Men and Regina Belle and has been sampled by hip-hop artists like Ludacris and Jay-Z. It has also been featured in several films and TV shows, including “Boomerang” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
But perhaps the most significant legacy of the song is the impact it has had on people’s lives. For many fans, the song is a reminder of the importance of love and friendship. It’s a song that can bring people together and lift their spirits, even in the darkest of times.
In conclusion, “There’s Nothing Better Than Love” is a timeless classic that continues to touch hearts and inspire people around the world. The collaboration between Luther Vandross and Gregory Hines was truly special, and the song they created together is a testament to their friendship and mutual respect. If you haven’t already, give “There’s Nothing Better Than Love” a listen – it’s sure to uplift your spirits and remind you of the power of love.
FAQ
What is the love song by Luther Vandross?
Luther Vandross was an American singer-songwriter who was known for his smooth and soulful voice. He managed to capture the hearts of millions with his timeless love songs, one of which is “Power of Love/Love Power”. The song was released as a single in 1991 from his album “Power of Love”.
“Power of Love/Love Power” features a classic R&B sound that Luther Vandross was known for, with powerful vocals and a catchy melody. The song was written and produced by Vandross along with Marcus Miller, who also played bass on the track. The lyrics speak about the power of love and how it can transform lives, making it a perfect love song for any occasion.
The song became a massive hit, reaching the number one spot on the US Billboard R&B chart and peaking at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also earned Vandross a Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male.
“Power of Love/Love Power” remains a popular love song to this day, with its timeless message of the transformative power of love. Luther Vandross’ smooth and powerful voice continues to captivate and mesmerize audiences, making him one of the greatest R&B singers of all time.
Did David Bowie and Luther Vandross sing together?
David Bowie and Luther Vandross did sing together, but it was in a backup singer capacity rather than a duet. Vandross was a backup singer for Bowie’s live tour in 1974, during which he sang his own song “Funky Music (Is a Part of Me)”. Bowie was reportedly impressed by Vandross’s voice, and he retained Vandross as a backup singer for his Young Americans album sessions in 1975.
Vandross had already written “Funky Music” by the time he joined Bowie’s tour, and he continued to incorporate it into their performances. The song features some of the funk and soul elements that Bowie was experimenting with on his Young Americans album, which Vandross would also contribute backup vocals to. Vandross’s voice can be heard prominently on tracks such as “Fame”, “Win”, and “Right”.
In addition to singing backup on the album, Vandross also contributed some vocal arrangements, particularly on the song “Fascination”. Bowie has been quoted as saying that Vandross was “a joy to be around”, and the two reportedly developed a close friendship through their work together.
While Vandross and Bowie never officially collaborated on a full duet, their time working together undoubtedly left a mark on both of their careers. Bowie continued to explore funk and soul music on future albums, while Vandross went on to become one of the most successful R&B singers of all time. Their brief collaboration is a testament to the power of two great voices coming together, even if only for a short time.
Did Luther Vandross sing on Stevie Wonder’s part time lover?
Yes, Luther Vandross did sing on Stevie Wonder’s hit song “Part-Time Lover.” The song was released in 1985 as part of Wonder’s album “In Square Circle” and it quickly became a chart-topping hit. Apart from Luther Vandross, the song also featured other famous background singers including Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire, Keith John, who is the son of Little Willie John, and Wonder’s first wife, Syreeta Wright.
In the song, Luther Vandross provides lead vocals on some parts while also adding harmony to Wonder’s lead vocals. His smooth and soulful voice complements Wonder’s unique tone, creating a beautiful blend of vocals that is characteristic of the song.
Apart from providing vocals, Stevie Wonder also played the drums and synthesizers in “Part-Time Lover.” He is known for his multi-instrumental skills, and his contributions to the song helped to create the unique sound that made it a hit.
Luther Vandross played a significant role in the creation of “Part-Time Lover” alongside Stevie Wonder and the other background singers. The song remains a popular classic that is still enjoyed by millions of fans around the world.
Who sings the best version of I Who Have Nothing?
“I Who Have Nothing” is a classic song that has been performed by numerous artists over the years. The song was originally written by Italian composers Carlo Donida and Giulio “Mogol” Rapetti with lyrics in Italian language and released as “Uno Dei Tanti” (“One Of Many”). The English-language version of the song was popularized by Shirley Bassey in 1963. However, the version that is widely considered to be the best is by the Welsh singer, Tom Jones.
Tom Jones released his version of “I Who Have Nothing” in 1970 on his album “I Who Have Nothing”. Jones’ version is a soulful rendition of the song, with a powerful and emotive vocal performance that has become the gold standard for the song. The arrangement for the song is also notable, featuring a dramatic string section that complements Jones’ voice perfectly.
Jones’ version of “I Who Have Nothing” was a hit in both the UK and US, peaking at number 16 on the UK charts and number 14 in the US. It has since become one of his most beloved recordings, with its powerful gospel-influenced vocals and soulful, orchestral arrangement.
While there have been many other notable versions of “I Who Have Nothing”, including renditions by Ben E. King, Luther Vandross, and Joe Cocker, it is Tom Jones’ version that remains the most popular and enduring. Jones’ rendition of the song perfectly captures the yearning and heartbreak at the center of the song’s lyrics, making it an iconic performance that continues to be beloved by fans of all ages.
Who sang back up for Luther?
Luther Vandross was known for his smooth and soulful voice that captivated audiences all over the world. But behind his chart-topping hits and mesmerizing performances, there was a team of talented musicians who helped him create the magic. One of those musicians was Lisa Fischer.
Lisa Fischer was born in New York in 1958 and started singing at a young age. She grew up listening to a wide range of music genres, from gospel to jazz, and honed her skills as a background singer. In 1983, she got her big break when she was hired as one of the backup singers for the legendary Luther Vandross.
Fischer quickly became an integral part of Vandross’ sound, bringing a depth and richness to his music that added a new dimension to his already impressive vocals. She contributed to many of his greatest hits, including “Power of Love/Love Power,” “Here and Now,” and “Stop to Love.” Her powerful voice and harmonies complemented Vandross’ own voice in a way that was truly magical.
Over the years, Lisa Fischer worked with many other notable musicians, including Sting, Beyoncé, and The Rolling Stones. However, it was her work with Luther Vandross that truly defined her career and solidified her reputation as one of the greatest backup singers of all time.
Sadly, Luther Vandross passed away in 2005, but his legacy, and the contributions of musicians like Lisa Fischer, continue to live on through his music. Today, Lisa Fischer continues to perform and record, and her talent as a singer and musician remains as strong as ever.
