Luther Vandross was a legendary American singer and songwriter who rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s. He is known for his soulful, smooth, and powerful vocals, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest R&B artists of all time. Vandross had a long and successful career, releasing numerous hit songs and albums throughout the years. One of his most famous songs, and also his debut single, was “Never Too Much”.
Background
“Never Too Much” was released in 1981 and was featured on Vandross’s debut album, which was also titled “Never Too Much”. The song was written, composed, produced, and performed by Vandross himself, and it quickly became a hit, reaching number one on the Billboard R&B chart and number thirty-three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The song was a feel-good anthem, with a lively and upbeat melody that was complemented by Vandross’s soulful and smooth vocals. The lyrics were simple yet powerful, expressing the idea that one can never give too much love to someone they care about. The song’s catchy chorus, “I can’t fool myself, I don’t want nobody else to ever love me, You are my shinin’ star, my guiding light, my love fantasy” is still remembered and enjoyed by music lovers today, almost four decades after its release.
Influence and Legacy
“Never Too Much” marked the start of Luther Vandross’s long and successful career in the music industry. The song and the album it was featured on both received critical acclaim, and Vandross won his first Grammy award for the album.
The success of “Never Too Much” also helped to establish Vandross as one of the most talented and influential R&B artists of his time. Throughout the years, he continued to release hit songs and albums, cementing his legacy as a music industry legend. His smooth and soulful vocals, combined with his songwriting and producing skills, continue to inspire new generations of artists and make him one of the most beloved figures in music history.
Conclusion
“Never Too Much” was Luther Vandross’s debut single and a significant moment in the history of R&B music. The song captured the hearts of music lovers around the world, and it remains a classic that continues to be enjoyed today. Vandross’s smooth and powerful vocals, combined with his songwriting and producing skills, established him as a music industry legend, and his influence can still be felt in modern R&B and soul music. “Never Too Much” is just one of many songs in Vandross’s rich and impressive discography, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of music lovers.
FAQ
How long was Luther in a coma?
Luther Vandross is an iconic American singer, songwriter, and record producer who is known for his soulful and powerful voice. Unfortunately, he had to face health complications during his lifetime due to his diabetes and hypertension. In April 2003, Vandross’s health took a sharp turn for the worse when he suffered a severe stroke.
The stroke left him incapacitated and in a coma at his home in New York City. The news of his medical emergency shocked his fans and the music industry at large. Vandross’s family was understandably private about his health status, and there were no official updates on his condition for weeks.
However, as time went on, it became apparent that Vandross’s condition was critical, and he remained in a coma in the hospital. The duration of his coma was almost two months, during which time there was a lot of speculation about his health condition and likelihood of recovery.
Fortunately, Vandross emerged from his coma, and although he continued to experience health problems due to his stroke, he was able to resume his music career to an extent. Despite his continued struggle with his health, Vandross continued to produce music and remained an inspiration to his fans, until his untimely death in July 2005.
The time that Luther Vandross spent in a coma was a difficult period for him, his family, and his fans. But his recovery was an inspiration to many who had hoped for his health and well-being.
Did Luther Vandross write any of his songs?
Yes, Luther Vandross was not only one of the greatest vocalists of all time, but he was also a prolific songwriter and producer. While he began his career as a backup singer and session musician for top artists like David Bowie and Bette Midler, he quickly gained recognition for his incredible vocal talent and songwriting abilities, landing a recording contract with Epic Records in 1981.
Throughout his career, Luther Vandross wrote or co-wrote many of his biggest hits, collaborating with other songwriters and producers to create some of the most memorable songs of the 1980s and 1990s. As a featured vocalist on the album The Glow of Love (1980) by the disco group Change, Vandross came to the attention of record executives and signed with Epic, which allowed him to write and produce his own material.
Some of his most famous songs, such as “Here and Now,” “Power of Love/Love Power,” “Never Too Much,” “Superstar/Until You Come Back to Me,” and “Dance with My Father,” were all written or co-written by Vandross himself. In addition, he wrote songs for other artists, including Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, and Whitney Houston, demonstrating his impressive range as a songwriter and performer.
Aside from his incredible vocal range and his ability to write beautiful and soulful songs, Vandross was also known for his amazing production skills. In fact, he was often his own producer, working tirelessly to create that signature sound that kept fans coming back for more.
There is no doubt that Luther Vandross was a true musical genius who left an indelible mark on the music industry. From his powerful vocals to his incredible songwriting and production skills, he was one of the most talented artists of his time and his music will continue to be loved and cherished for many generations to come.
Who sang background for Luther?
Luther Vandross is one of the most iconic R&B/soul singers of all time, with a career spanning several decades. But before he became a star in his own right, Luther was a backup singer for some of the biggest names in music. He had a pre-fame backup-vocal résumé that was top-notch, working with several legends of the music industry.
Luther’s career as a background singer started in the early 1970s when he was discovered by David Bowie. He went on to provide backing vocals on several of Bowie’s albums, including “Young Americans.” From there, Luther’s reputation grew, and he became a sought-after backup singer.
He sang backup for Diana Ross, Roberta Flack, Carly Simon, Chaka Khan, Donna Summer, Bette Midler, Chic, and Barbra Streisand. Each of these artists recognized his incredible vocal talent and sought him out for his exceptional harmonizing skills.
Luther’s background vocals added a layer of richness to the music of these artists, and his contributions were invaluable to the success of their songs. His smooth, soulful voice became recognizable to listeners, and his reputation as a background singer helped him to earn a record deal as a solo artist.
It’s clear that Luther Vandross was more than just a singer – he was a musical force to be reckoned with. His work as a backup singer helped to shape his career and made him the legend he is today. He will forever be remembered as one of the greatest vocalists of all time, both as a solo artist and as a background singer.
Who is the gospel singer that sounds like Luther Vandross?
Darwin Todd Hobbs, born on November 30, 1968, is an American gospel music singer who is widely popular for his exceptional singing abilities, especially his vocal similarity to classic soul singers like Luther Vandross, Freddie Jackson, and Lou Rawls. Hobbs has a unique gift of blending gospel music with soulful melodies, making him stand out in the gospel music industry.
Hobbs began singing at a young age and was discovered when he was only 16 years old by a local music producer who recognized his singing talent. He later joined a gospel group called the New Covenant, which was formed in 1986. In 1991, Hobbs went solo and released his first album titled “Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus,” which received critical acclaim and established him as a force to reckon with in the gospel music industry.
Over the years, Hobbs has released several other successful albums, including “Better Is One Day” and “Champion,” to name a few. He has collaborated with other gospel singers such as Michael W. Smith and Israel Houghton and has also appeared on BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel Show.
Hobbs’ singing style has often been compared to Luther Vandross, one of the most iconic soul singers of all time. His smooth and soulful voice, combined with his passion for singing gospel, has won him many fans all over the world. Hobbs’ ability to touch the hearts of his listeners with his music has made him a respected figure in the gospel music industry.
Darwin Todd Hobbs is a talented gospel singer known for his soulful voice and exceptional singing abilities. His vocal similarity to classic soul singers like Luther Vandross has made him a fan favourite. Hobbs continues to inspire and touch the hearts of his listeners with his music, and his contribution to the gospel music industry is nothing short of remarkable.
Did Cissy Houston sing backup for Luther Vandross?
Yes, Cissy Houston did sing backup for Luther Vandross. Houston was a renowned gospel and R&B singer who began her career in the 1950s as a member of the Drinkard Singers, and later as a solo artist. She gained popularity as a backup singer for several well-known musicians, including Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, and Dionne Warwick.
Houston’s backup singing career extended to the 1980s, during which she worked with Luther Vandross, an American singer, and songwriter. Vandross was widely viewed as a soul and R&B legend during his time, and his albums often featured backing vocals from famous artists, including Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, and Lisa Fischer, among others.
Cissy Houston had the opportunity to sing backup for Vandross on some of his most popular albums, including “Never Too Much,” “Forever, For Always, For Love,” and “Busy Body.” Her harmonies and vocal range were a perfect complement to Vandross’ powerful and soulful voice, and their collaboration resulted in some of the most memorable R&B hits of the 1980s.
Furthermore, Houston’s vocals on Vandross’ albums were particularly memorable, and some of her duets with him, such as “So Amazing,” “If This World Were Mine,” and “Since I Lost My Baby,” remain very popular among music enthusiasts.
Cissy Houston’s contributions, both as a solo artist and a backup singer, have helped shape the sound of R&B and gospel music for several decades. And her collaboration with Luther Vandross was one of the highlights of her illustrious career as a backup singer.
Did Marcus Miller play with Luther Vandross?
Yes, Marcus Miller did play with Luther Vandross. In fact, he had a long-standing collaboration with the R&B singer, serving as his musical director and bassist for over 20 years. Miller’s contributions can be heard in many of Vandross’s hits, including “Never Too Much,” “Stop to Love,” “Give Me the Reason,” and “Power of Love/Love Power.” Miller’s bass playing added a distinctive groove to Vandross’s songs, and his work as a composer and arranger helped to shape Vandross’s sound throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Miller’s collaboration with Vandross began in the early 1980s, when Vandross asked him to serve as his bass player for a live performance. Miller’s skills caught Vandross’s attention, and he soon became a regular member of the singer’s touring band. As the years went by, Miller took on more responsibilities, eventually serving as musical director and co-producer for many of Vandross’s albums. Their collaboration came to an end in 2005, when Vandross passed away at the age of 54.
Miller’s work with Luther Vandross is just one chapter in his long and impressive career. In addition to his work as a bassist and musical director, he has earned acclaim as a composer, arranger, and producer. He has worked with a wide range of artists in many different genres, including Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and David Sanborn. He has also composed music for movies, including the 1993 film “Poetic Justice,” which starred Janet Jackson and Tupac Shakur.
Why is Lisa Fischer no longer with the Rolling Stones?
Lisa Fischer is an American R&B vocalist who has worked with the likes of Tina Turner, Luther Vandross, and many other musicians. However, she is best known for her work as a backup singer for the Rolling Stones. Fischer has been with the Rolling Stones for more than two and a half decades, during which she contributed to numerous hit records and world tours. Despite this fruitful collaboration, Fischer eventually decided to part ways with the legendary rock band.
According to Fischer, the decision to leave the Rolling Stones was not an easy one. Over the years, she had become an integral part of the band’s sound and performance, and she enjoyed the camaraderie and professionalism of her colleagues. However, the demands of touring and recording had taken their toll on her, and she realized that she needed to take a break and focus on her own music.
Fischer noted that touring with the Rolling Stones was a grueling experience that required long hours and intense physical and vocal exertion. She often found herself feeling exhausted and burned out, and she knew that this was affecting her performance. She also realized that she had neglected her own musical aspirations while working with the band.
In a 2014 interview with NPR, Fischer explained, “It got to the point where I was running myself ragged, and I felt like I wasn’t giving my best because I was so exhausted. It was a scary time for me, so I finally had to make a decision.” She went on to say that leaving the Rolling Stones was a bittersweet experience, as she had grown close to her fellow musicians and had many cherished memories of their time together.
However, the decision to part ways with the Rolling Stones was also a liberating one for Fischer. She was able to focus on her solo career, which had taken a backseat to her work as a backup singer. Since leaving the band, Fischer has released her own albums and toured extensively, demonstrating her versatility and mastery as a vocalist.
Lisa Fischer’s decision to leave the Rolling Stones was a difficult but necessary one. She recognized that she needed to take a break from the rigors of touring and recording in order to pursue her own musical goals. Fischer’s departure from the band was a loss for the Rolling Stones, but it also allowed her to explore her own artistic vision and establish herself as a solo artist.
