Luther Vandross was an American singer, songwriter, and record producer, known for his smooth R&B and soulful ballads. His successful career spanned over three decades, from the early 1980s until his untimely death in 2005. Vandross was a true music legend who left behind an unforgettable legacy, influencing generations of R&B and soul singers. He has sold over 35 million records worldwide and won eight Grammy Awards, including Best Male R&B Vocal Performance four times. In this blog post, I will discuss his first big hit that paved the way for his illustrious career in the music industry.
The Rise of Luther Vandross
Luther Vandross was born in New York City on April 20, 1951, and grew up in a musical family. He was influenced by his parents, both of whom were singers, and started playing the piano at an early age. Vandross attended the prestigious Juilliard School of Music in Manhattan and worked as a session singer in his early career. He sang backup for famous artists, such as David Bowie, Barbra Streisand, and Diana Ross.
In 1981, Vandross released his debut album, “Never Too Much,” on Epic Records. The album was a commercial success, peaking at number 19 on the US Billboard 200 and reaching platinum sales status. The title track, “Never Too Much,” was Vandross’s first big hit and became a staple on R&B and soul radio stations. The song’s catchy chorus and upbeat tempo resonated with audiences and established Vandross as a solo artist to be reckoned with.
The Making of “Never Too Much”
“Never Too Much” was written, composed, produced, and performed by Luther Vandross. The song’s arrangement featured a funky bassline, brassy horns, and a groovy rhythm section. Vandross’s smooth vocals and ad-libs added a touch of soulful charm to the upbeat melody. The song’s lyrics were about a person who was completely in love with someone and could never get enough of them. The song’s catchy chorus and infectious beat made it a dancefloor favorite and a radio hit.
The music video for “Never Too Much” was directed by Julian Temple and featured Vandross performing the song in a nightclub with dancers and a live band. The video showcased Vandross’s vocal range and stage presence, further reinforcing his appeal as a solo artist.
Legacy of “Never Too Much”
“Never Too Much” was a groundbreaking hit for Luther Vandross, and it laid the foundation for his future chart-topping hits. The song’s success earned him his first Grammy nomination for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male in 1982. Vandross won his first Grammy Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male in 1991, for the song “Here and Now.” The song became Vandross’s second US Top 20 single and was covered by many artists, including Beyoncé and Whitney Houston.
“Never Too Much” has since become a classic R&B and soul song and is one of Vandross’s most recognizable hits. The song’s catchy melody, upbeat tempo, and heartfelt lyrics have made it a favorite at weddings, parties, and celebrations. It’s also been sampled and interpolated into several hip-hop, R&B, and pop songs by artists such as Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, and Justin Timberlake.
Conclusion
Luther Vandross’s “Never Too Much” was his first big hit that launched his solo career and made him a household name. The song’s catchy melody, upbeat tempo, and soulful vocals have made it a classic R&B and soul hit that continues to inspire new generations of music lovers. The song’s success opened doors for Vandross, and he continued to produce hit after hit, becoming one of the best-selling R&B artists of all time. Vandross, unfortunately, passed away in 2005 due to a heart attack, but his music and legacy continue to live on. “Never Too Much” remains a testament to his undeniable talent and the impact he had on the music industry.
FAQ
Did David Bowie play with Luther Vandross?
Yes, David Bowie did play with Luther Vandross. In fact, Luther Vandross was one of the many talented musicians who collaborated with David Bowie over the course of his illustrious music career. The two musicians first started working together in 1974, when Bowie invited Vandross to contribute backing vocals to his song “Young Americans.”
Vandross’s soulful and powerful voice added an extra layer of depth and emotion to the song, and the collaboration was so successful that Bowie invited him to join his touring band for the second leg of his Diamond Dogs tour. This tour was dubbed the “Philly Dogs” leg, and featured a greater emphasis on songs from the “Young Americans” album.
Over the course of his career, Bowie worked with many other talented musicians and singers, ranging from Mick Jagger and Brian Eno to Nile Rodgers and Freddie Mercury. However, his collaboration with Luther Vandross stands out as one of the most memorable and transformative. The two musicians shared a deep love of soul and R&B music, and their collaboration helped to push Bowie’s sound in exciting new directions.
Sadly, both Bowie and Vandross have since passed away, but their legacy and their music continue to inspire and uplift fans all around the world. Their work together stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the magic that can happen when two great artists come together to create something truly special.
What songs did Luther Vandross sing with David Bowie?
Luther Vandross and David Bowie had a fruitful relationship in the music industry. Vandross served as a backup singer for David Bowie during the recording sessions for his album “Young Americans” in 1975. Bowie, who was known for his willingness to collaborate and experiment in his music, decided to retain Vandross for the project, and their creative partnership was born.
During these recording sessions, Bowie and Vandross worked on the reworking of a song called “Funky Music.” The song was transformed into “Fascination,” with mostly brand new lyrics by Bowie, and ultimately appeared on the album. The song featured a smooth and funky sound, and Vandross’s vocal performance added a soulful dimension to the track.
“Win,” another song from the same album, also featured background vocals by Vandross. The song was written by Bowie and Carlos Alomar and tells a tale of survival and triumph over adversity.
In addition to his work on “Young Americans,” Vandross was also part of the band that supported Bowie during his “Station to Station” tour in 1976. Vandross and Bowie also collaborated on the 1983 charity single “Cover Me.”
The songs that Luther Vandross sang with David Bowie highlighted the depth and versatility of both artists. Vandross’s soulful vocals added a beautiful dimension to Bowie’s experimental and eclectic music style. Even though they only worked together on a few projects during Vandross’s early years, their music created a lasting legacy that still resonates with music fans today.
Who was the backing singer for David Bowie?
Linda Lewis, a singer with a five-octave range, provided backing vocals for David Bowie during his Ziggy Stardust era, which lasted from 1972 to 1973. She was one of the featured vocalists on his album, Aladdin Sane, and accompanied him on his Diamond Dogs Tour.
Born in West Ham, London, in 1950, Lewis began her singing career as a child, performing with her brother’s band, The Rusty Young Band. She later pursued a solo career, releasing her debut album, Say No More, in 1971.
Lewis’ solo music was a blend of pop, soul, and jazz, and she was known for her impressive vocal range and distinctive voice. She achieved chart success with singles such as “Rock-a-Doodle-Doo” and “It’s in His Kiss (The Shoop Shoop Song).”
Aside from her work with Bowie, Lewis also toured with other notable artists, including Cat Stevens and Rod Stewart. Despite her success as a backing vocalist and solo artist, she was known for her modesty and down-to-earth nature.
Lewis continued to perform and record music throughout the 1980s and 1990s, collaborating with a range of musicians and releasing several albums. She also appeared in films and television, including the popular British drama series, Midsomer Murders.
Sadly, Linda Lewis passed away on March 10, 2021, at the age of 72. Her contributions to music and her impressive vocal range have earned her a place in the annals of rock history, and she will be remembered as a talented artist and dedicated performer.
Who discovered Dionne Warwick?
Dionne Warwick is a distinguished American singer, actress, and television host who has been entertaining audiences for over six decades. She was born in East Orange, New Jersey, on December 12, 1940. Warwick’s musical journey began at an early age, as she was part of a gospel group that performed on the “Eat and Meet” program, a local television show.
Warwick’s big break in the music industry came when she was discovered by the legendary songwriter Burt Bacharach, who was working with his collaborator Hal David at the time. In 1962, Warwick was performing background vocals on the Drifters’ recording of their hit song “Mexican Divorce” when Bacharach noticed her voice and star presence.
Bacharach, who was already an established songwriter, had a clear vision of what he wanted Warwick to bring to his songs. He wanted her to convey a sense of sophistication and elegance that would set her apart from other artists. Bacharach and Warwick’s musical partnership began to grow, and they recorded their first hit song together in 1962, “Don’t Make Me Over.”
The song’s success led to Warwick signing with Scepter Records, where she continued to work with Bacharach and David. Throughout the 1960s, Warwick’s career continued to skyrocket, with hit songs such as “Walk on By,” “Do You Know the Way to San Jose,” and “I Say a Little Prayer,” earning her international acclaim and a loyal fan base.
In addition to her musical accomplishments, Warwick has also enjoyed success in other areas of entertainment. She has acted in several movies and television shows, including the hit series “Solid Gold” and “Celebrity Apprentice.” She has also hosted her own television programs, including “Solid Gold” and “Another Life.”
Burt Bacharach discovered Dionne Warwick while she was performing background vocals on a song. Their partnership resulted in several hit songs, making Warwick one of the most successful and enduring artists of her generation.
Who did Martin Luther break away from?
Martin Luther was a German monk who is widely considered one of the most significant figures of the Protestant Reformation. In the early 16th century, he famously broke away from the Roman Catholic Church, marking a historic turning point in the history of Christianity.
Martin Luther’s break with the Catholic Church began in 1517 when he wrote a document called the 95 Theses. These propositions were an attack on the Catholic doctrine of salvation, which he believed had become corrupted by the sale of indulgences. Indulgences were a way for people to pay money to the Church in exchange for receiving forgiveness for their sins.
Luther argued that sinners could only achieve forgiveness through faith in God alone, not through the purchase of indulgences. This challenge to Church authority was met with condemnation from the Catholic hierarchy, and Luther was eventually excommunicated in 1521.
The break with Rome led to the formation of the Protestant movement, which emphasized the importance of personal faith, individual interpretation of scripture, and the rejection of many Catholic practices, including the veneration of saints and the use of icons.
Luther’s influence on Christianity and Western culture has been profound. His translation of the Bible into German, for example, helped to standardize the German language and contributed to the spread of literacy and education across Germany. Additionally, the Protestant Reformation sparked a period of religious and social upheaval that changed the course of European history.