Luther Vandross dies at 54

[FilthyFinMavs]

Coming from a guy who grew up on his music this one hits real hard. One of the greatest singers of our time.


"The Insider" has confirmed that R&B legend LUTHER VANDROSS passed away Friday at the age of 54. Sources tell "The Insider" that Vandross' death was unexpected, and that a memorial service is planned in New York sometime next week. The singer sold over 25 million records during a long and successful career that began in the 1970s. In 1981, he released his debut album, Never Too Much, and went on to become one of the most popular musicians of the 1980s, cranking out lasting hits like "Here and Now" and "The Best Things in Life Are Free." Vandross hit the top of the charts again in the '90s with a duet with MARIAH CAREY of "Endless Love." His soulful pop crooning went on to inspire artists like USHER and ALICIA KEYS, as well as "American Idol" and record labelmate RUBEN STUDDARD. Sources also report that a tribute album for Vandross is in the works. In April 2003, Vandross suffered a stroke due in part to his struggle with diabetes; he then spent close to a month in a coma, and battled meningitis and pneumonia after the attack.