Search
What's Hot
Day-by-Day Fall Schedule
R.I.P. Beloved TV Characters!
A Private Practice Departure?
Shows We Lost

Luther Vandross

Celebrity

Luther Vandross: Biography

1 photos
  • Birth Name: Luther Ronzoni Vandross
  • Birth Place: New York, NY
  • Date of Birth / Zodiac Sign: 04/20/1951, Aries
  • Date of Death: 07/01/2005
  • Profession: Singer; songwriter; record producer
User Rating: (3 ratings)
Add Your Rating: 1 stars2 stars3 stars4 stars5 stars
Luther Vandross Fast Facts:
  • Given the middle name Ronzoni, after the brand of pasta, which was the only food his mother could digest while pregnant with him; this was later shortened to the nickname Ronnie.
  • Started the vocal group Shades of Jade while in high school.
  • Made his TV debut on Sesame Street., as part of the musical theater workshop ensemble Listen, My Brother.
  • In 1972, penned the song "Everybody Rejoice (A Brand New Day)," which was used in the Broadway musical The Wiz three years later.
  • Met David Bowie in 1974, and went on to sing backup for the rock icon, as well as open for him on tour.   
  • In the mid-'70s, began providing backing vocals for albums by numerous pop icons, including Bette Midler, Barbra Streisand and Ringo Starr.
  • Found success in the late '70s as a writer and singer of commercial tunes, performing jingles for soft drinks, fast-food restaurants and telephones. 
  • Solo debut album, Never Too Much, was released in 1981. 
  • Was involved in a fatal three-car accident in Los Angeles in 1986, when he lost control of the car he was driving.   
  • Ranked number 54 on Rolling Stone's 2008 list of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.
  • Struggled with his weight throughout his career, and suffered from diabetes and hypertension.
  • Was a lover of fashion and always performed in a tuxedo. 
  • Luther Vandross Relationships:
  • Patricia Joyner - Sister
  • Luther Vandross Sr. - Father
  • Ann D. Sanders - Sister
  • Charles Anthony Vandross - Brother
  • Mary Ida Vandross - Mother
  • Luther Vandross Awards:
  • 2003 Grammy: Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals - Winner
  • 2003 Grammy: Song of the Year - Winner
  • 1990 Grammy: Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male - Winner
  • 1991 Grammy: Best Rhythm & Blues Song - Winner
  • 1991 Grammy: Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male - Winner
  • 1996 Grammy: Best Male R&B Vocal Performance - Winner
  • 2003 Grammy: Best R&B Album - Winner
  • 2003 Grammy: Best Male R&B Vocal Performance - Winner
  • College:
  • Attended Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI

Photos

Luther Vandross, Bryant Gumbel Theo Wargo/WireImage.com
Advertisement

Our Partners

Advertisement

Related Websites

You might be also interested in the following websites:

Most Popular TV Shows

  1. American Idol
  2. NCIS
  3. Big Bang Theory
  4. Voice
  5. Person of Interest
more popular tv shows

Most Popular Celebrities

  1. Jessica Simpson
  2. Khloe Kardashian
  3. Kate Middleton
  4. Maria Menounos
  5. Kim Kardashian
more popular celebrities

Most Popular Movies

  1. Men In Black 3
  2. Avengers
  3. Battleship
  4. The Dictator
  5. Dark Shadows
more popular movies

Top Videos

  1. Celebrity
  2. Dateline
  3. The Bachelorette
  4. Celebrity
  5. Days of our Lives
more top videos