In an era when R&B was often ruled by raunchy purveyors of thug love, Luther Vandross was a true romantic who tried a little tenderness. He sang of lasting relationships and special nights in which half the fun was in the wooing.
The singer, who died Friday at age 54, didn’t hide his emotions but exulted in them, and he never shied from exposing his vulnerabilities. He was the most celebrated balladeer of his generation. (Related story: Friends remember Vandross | Hear an audio appreciation)
Whether he was basking in a lasting affair or lamenting a broken one, his songs brimmed with passion as his silky tenor dipped and soared. He could make you feel good just from the sheer joy he seemed to get out of singing. His voice was unmistakable. With just a few words or a run of his quavering no-no-no-no’s, you knew it was him.
In 2003, Vandross appeared on the brink of one of his biggest albums when he had a stroke on April 16, just weeks before Dance with My Father was due for release. He remained in a coma for two months and never made a public appearance after that. The sentimental title track became a smash hit and led to four of his eight career Grammys.
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