Luther Vandross, RIP

Luther Vandross is dead at age 54. Simply put, he was a legend.

He was arguably the most celebrated R&B balladeer of his generation. He made women swoon with his silky yet forceful tenor, which he often revved up like a motor engine before reaching his beautiful crescendos. [SNIP]

Vandross' style harkened back to a more genteel era of crooning. While many of his contemporaries and successors belted out tunes that were sexually charged and explicit, Vandross preferred soft pillow talk and songs that spoke to heartfelt emotions.

"I'm more into poetry and metaphor, and I would much rather imply something rather than to blatantly state it," he said. "You blatantly state stuff sometimes when you can't think of a a poetic way to say it."

A great legacy to leave behind.

Comments

[Ken Summers]

Oh my goodness, what a shock!

[George]

Oh, the radio tonight is going to be full of his music. I only wish he could hear it.

[Charles]

It is truly a sad day and a terrible loss; especially at the relatively young age of 54. He could have been entertaining us for many more years to come.

[birdwoman]

His appeal is darn near universal. What a voice.

Thank goodness for technology, so that that voice can live on.

(*)>

[red]

"I would much rather imply something rather than to blatantly state it,"

What an absolutely beautiful thing to strive for as an artist. He will be so missed!!

[Kevin]

It is sad to see such a wonderful and talented person leave us so early in life. My wedding song (22 years ago) was Forever, For Always For Love.

Luther,

We will remember and love you, Forever and Always.