Luther Ronzoni Vandross, born April 20, 1951, New York, New York was an American Soul and Pop singer. While still in high school he became interested in R&B music and in 1972 he chose his song "Everibody Rejoices" for Broadway Music The Wiz. He began recording jingles and worked as a backup singer for musicians such as David Bowie, Bette Midler and Barbara Streisand.
In 1981, Vandross signed with Epic and released his debut album, which sold over a million copies. Vandross was a huge R&B phenomenon throughout the 1he 1980s, he only became a pop hit in the early 90's.
Vandross won his first Grammy in 1991 for "Here and Now", and two in 1992 for co-writing and performing "Power of Love". Vandross continued to create successful records during the 1990s. These include "Top Ten" in the remake of "Endless Love" by Mariah Carey, "It's Christmas" in 1996. By 1997 won his fourth Grammy for "Your Secret Love".
Tragically in 2003, Vandross suffered from a stroke that he never fully recovered from. At the 2004 Grammys Vandross appeared via video and won four awards for his latest album, "Dance With My Father," including Best Song of the Year. Vandross died on July 1, 2005.
