Luther Vandross

Luther Vandross on vinyl: the voice of eighties soul

In short: Luther Vandross (1951–2005) from New York is regarded as one of the great soul voices of his time. Before his solo fame he sang in the studio for others – on David Bowie’s “Young Americans”, for example – and with the disco group Change. From 1981 his velvet voice and elegant arrangements shaped eighties soul. The Vinyl Room currently has 6 Luther Vandross records.

What makes Luther Vandross special?

Vandross sang ballads so that every syllable landed, and could fill dance floors at the same time. “Forever, For Always, For Love” (1982) and “Busy Body” (1983) show both sides, “The Night I Fell In Love” (1985) and “Give Me The Reason” (1986) his high point.

“Power Of Love” (1991) took him into the nineties, and on “Songs” (1994) he sang other artists’ songs in his own way.

From our stock

First pressings

Records by Luther Vandross

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FAQ

What did Luther Vandross do before his solo career? He was a session singer, on David Bowie’s “Young Americans” among others, and sang with the group Change.

What was his first solo album? “Never Too Much” from 1981.

What is “Songs”? A 1994 album on which he sang other artists’ songs anew.

Which records do you have? Albums from the eighties and nineties – 6 records in all.