Luther Vandross - The Best Of Luther Vandross (Songbook)

After an unprecedented six consecutive Platinum-plus albums, it seems only fitting that a special album of some of the best music by the premier black male vocalist of our time should finally be made available. Unlike other such packages, THE BEST OF LUTHER VANDROSS, THE BEST OF LOVE (Epic) contains not only this multitalented superstars major chart hits but also delves into the master Vandross catalog to present more of the music that has made Luther the entertainer most cited as a major influence by up-and-coming vocalists.

As a writer, producer, and recording artist, Luthers innate ability to create sounds that touch the heart has been the key to his enduring success. His exciting live performances have made him an international entertainer of the highest caliber.

Nor has Luther simply channeled his talents into his own work. Hes also produced records for boyhood idols Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick and Diana Ross. The list of Vandross triumphs also includes vocalist Cheryl Lynn and singer/actor Gregory Hines, whose Vandross-produced Epic debut spawned the 1988 hit That Girl Wants To Dance With Me.

Luthers early musical instincts were strongly encouraged by his family, including piano lessons at the age of 3. An older sister sang with the doo-wop group The Crests (of 16 Candles fame), and as Luther progressed through Taft High School, it was Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross and Dionne Warwick who lit my fire, he recalls. After attending Western Michigan University, Luther returned to New York, where he held a variety of jobs before settling on what had become an incredibly successful career in music.

In 1972, Luther met Ken Harper, who included Vandross song Everbody Rejoice (A Brand New Day) in the hit Broadway show THE WIZ. (The song was also featured in the Diana Ross / Michael Jackson movie of the same name.) Two years later, Luther received another important career break when David Bowie asked him to arrange and sing backgrounds on the YOUNG AMERICANS LP (including Luthers song Fascination) as well as tour with the British star. Through Bowie, Luther met Bette Midler and later sang on both Bettes SONGS FOR THE NEW DEPRESSION and on the road with her. Midlers producer Arif Mardin was so impressed with Luthers intuitive musical sense that he called him for sessions with Carly Simon, Chaka Khan, and the Average White Band, among others.

On the strength of his session reputation, Vandross formed his own group, a progressive R&B vocal group called Luther. Signed to Atlantic / Cotillion Records, the act scored with Its Good For The Soul and Funky Music Is A Part Of Me, and performed with many different artists including the late Marvin Gaye at New Yorks Radio City Music Hall in 1977. When the group eventually splintered, Luther embarked on a highly lucrative career as a jingle singer for corporate clients like 7-Up and Kentucky Fried Chicken. His work as lead vocalist for two studio groups, Change and Bionic Boogie (of Hot Butterfly fame), helped to bring Luthers immediately identifiable sound to national attention during the disco days of the late Seventies.

After continuous touring with (among others) Bette Midler, Todd Rundgren, and Roberta Flack; and session work for the likes of the J. Geils Band, Barbra Streisand, Donna Summer, Burt Bacharach and Quincy Jones, Luther Vandross signed with Epic Records as a solo artist in 1981. His recorded output since then speaks for itself. In BILLBOARD, the respected critic Nelson George called Luther perhaps the preeminent singer in black music today, while THE NEW YORK TIMES Stephen Holden cited Luther as the most promising all-around pop / soul craftsman (singer, songwriter, producer) to emerge in the Eighties.

The accolades have mounted through the second half of the decade. There were spellbinding television appearances on Patti Labelles 1985 NBC special, on Luthers own BBC-TV concert special in 1987, and as host of the first annual Soul Train Awards in 1987. They only confirmed what record buyers have discovered with each new Vandross album: Quite simply, Luther is one of the finest male vocalists of his generation, one whose appeal transcends all musical and social boundaries.

In 1988 came ANY LOVE, produced by Luther Vandross with Marcus Miller and featuring songs penned by Luther and stalwart colleague Nat Adderly Jr. and new collaborators Hubert Eaves III and (from Scritti Politti) David Gamson. Id say Im a more relaxed singer now, said Luther at the time of ANY LOVEs release, and when I listen to this record, I hear the old values Ive always used in my work. Yet being my sixth album, theres a certain polish that comes with time, knowing more and more what works for me musically. I always go with what feels good, and if it feels right musically, I do it.

Its clear that the public feels good about what Luther Vandross does musically: ANY LOVE brought him three more hit singles in I Really Didnt Mean It, For You To Love, and the title track. Luther refers to the latter as one of the most personal pieces of material Ive written. I wanted people to know that I have a life, that I go through the same personal challenges as everyone else. ANY LOVE expresses that.

During the past year, Luthers been busier than ever. He guested on the very first segment of the highly successful Arsenio Hall show and on NBCs Saturday Night Live. He was the subject of simultaneous cover stories in both EBONY and JET; the accompanying photo spread took readers into Luthers exclusive Beverly Hills home, formerly owned by gossip columnist Rona Barrett.

With special liner notes from Aretha Franklin, Dionne Warwick and Arsenio Hall that underscore the respect and admiration he commands in the entertainment industry, THE BEST OF LUTHER VANDROSS, THE BEST OF LOVE stands as a testament to one of the most prodigious musical talents of our time on Epic Cassettes, Compact Discs and Records.

SEARCHING

By MARIO MALAVASI
and PAUL SLADE

THE GLOW OF LOVE

By DAVID ROMANI,
W. GARFIELD and MARIO MALAVASI