Luther Vandross

Celebrity

  • 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
Advertisement

Advertisement