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Clive Davis' Luther Vandross Tribute on the Way
July 4, 2005 - Clive Davis Project that was in the works before the passing of Luther Vandross on July 1st, has been made all the more poignant by the singer's untimely death at age 54. Davis (pictured left with Vandross after his stroke) has lined up an impressive showing for the Vandross tribute. Among the artists set to appear on the outing are American Idols Fantasia, Rueben Studdard, as well as Angie Stone, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, and Mary J. Blige. The project is being produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and will feature these artists and others interpretations of Luther's songs. Luther, who suffered a devastating stroke two years ago from which he never fully recovered, had stopped making appearances but continued to record. His last album whose hit single "Dance with My Father" climbed the charts as the singer lay comatose following his stroke, earned him 4 Grammy Awards. Luther's last public appearance was a videotaped thank-you aired at the Grammy's. His words, "Remember, when I say goodbye, it's never for long...because..." says volumes about this man's positive attitude even in the face of great adversity. He ended by singing, in the way only Luther can, the words "I believe in the power of love" from his popular hit single, and true to his words he will never really be gone, for his sprit lives on in song. - by Cheryl Philips

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Luther Vandross Dead at 54
July 2, 2005 - One of the kings of R&B music is dead. Luther Vandross who suffered a stroke on April 16, 2003 but never fully recovered died yesterday (Friday July 1, 2005). The Grammy winner died at John F Kennedy Medical Centre in Edison, New Jersey. Cause of death was not released. Hospital spokesperson Rob Cavanaugh said in a statement that the singer, "Never really recovered from a stroke two years ago." Since his stroke the singer has recorded more music and in 2004 won four Grammys for his album "Dance With My Father." Jeff O'Conner, Vandross' publicist, called his death "A huge loss in the R&B industry. He was a close friend of mine and right now it's shocking". - By John Beaudin

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Next Luther Tribute Goes Vocal
March 10, 2005 - First the Smooth Jazz superstars paid tribute to Luther Vandross now acts like Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Celine Dion and Angie Stone are taking a turn. Music mogul Clive Davis is heading the new project along with producer Jimmy 'Jam' Harris who said, "Mariah and Janet both called and said they were interested in doing something for it. This is really the best of the best singers coming together. It's going to be an incredible project." Vandross suffered a stroke April 16, 2003. He is still in recovery and his prognosis is still unclear.

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All Star Cast to Pay Tribute To Luther Vandross
October 26, 2004 - Tomorrow will be a win-win situation for both Luther Vandross and American Diabetes Association. An all star cast including Smooth Jazz favorites Dave Koz and Mindi Abair will pay tribute to the R&B star at Madison Square Garden and the proceeds will go to the Association. The event, entitled Concert for Love, is promoting the tribute album 'Forever, for Always, for Luther,' released in July via GRP. Other artists set to perform include Patti LaBelle, Will Downing, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright, Richard Elliot, Lalah Hathaway, Brian Culbertson and Paul Jackson, Jr. Abair who will be our "Artist of the Month" for December at Smooth Jazz Now said, "It's a privilege to be involved in such a project, I really look forward to it." Tickets are priced at $99.50 and $59.50, and are on sale via Ticketmaster.

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Write a Love Letter to Luther Vandross
July 29, 2004 - This summer you can write Luther Vandross a get well card and help a great cause at the same time. A new fundraising and awareness campaign from the American Diabetes Association is inviting Vandross fans to write a note to the singer with a contribution to the ADA's "Forever, For Always, For Luther" Fund. Vandross also has a new tribute CD featuring many Smooth Jazz all stars. 'Forever, For Always, For Luther' featuring Boney James, Richard Elliot, Brian Culbertson, Rick Braun, Mindi Abair and host of others is released on the Verve label. Proceeds also go to the American Diabetes Association. Vandross suffered a stroke in April of 2003.

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Luther Vandross Gets Tribute CD July 27
June 24, 2004 - Smooth Jazzer's are saying thank you to Luther Vandross via an all star tribute album on the GRP label. 'Forever, For Always, For Luther' will be in stores on July 27 and will feature George Benson, Mindi Abair, Richard Elliot, Dave Koz, Boney James and Rick Braun among others. Vandross suffered a stroke on April 16, 2003. The Vandross family believe the stroke was induced by Luther's problems with diabetes and so GRP's parent company The Verve Music Group is putting it's support behind the American Diabetes Association. Expect Paul Jackson Jr. doing 'Never Too Much, Kirk Whalum reinventing 'Any Love and Boney James taking on 'Stop To Love.'

Track list: 1. Any Love 2. Never Too Much 3. Wait For Love 4. Forever, For Always, For Love 5. Stop To Love 6. If Only For One Night 7. My Sensitivity (Gets In The Way) 8. Your Secret Love 9. Take You Out 10. Dance With My Father

Album Line-up Mindi Abair (5) Alto Saxophone Alex Al (3, 7, 8) Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass George Benson (9) Guitar Rick Braun (10) Flugelhorn Sekou Bunch (1-2, 4) Acoustic Bass Lenny Castro (1-2, 4, 6, 10) Percussion Brian Culbertson (6) Keyboards, Programming Richard Elliot (8) Tenor Saxophone Steve Ferrone (5, 10) Drums Brandon Fields (4, 5) Saxophone Lisa Fischer (8) Vocal Ray Fuller (4) Guitar Lalah Hathaway (4) Vocal Paul Jackson, Jr. (1-3, 6, 7) Guitar Boney James (3, 7) Tenor Saxophone

David Koz (6) Alto Saxophone Nick Lane (4-5, 9) Trombone Sundra Manning (2, 4) Hammond Cindy Mizelle (8) Vocal John Pondel (9) Guitar Rex Rideout (1-5, 7-10) Keyboards, Programming Dwight Sills (8, 10) Guitar Ty Stevens (5) Guitar Lee Thornburg (4-5, 9) Trumpet Fonzi Thornton (8) Vocal Luther Vandross (8) Vocal Arrangement Kirk Whalum (1) Tenor Saxophone Brenda White (8) Vocal Michael White (1-2, 4) Drums

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Richard Marx Says Luther Vandross May Never Perform Again
June 11, 2004 - Richard Marx has a new album on the way but recently he's been fielding more questions about Luther Vandross. Marx has worked with Vandross for the last ten years including co-writing his recent hit 'Dance With My Father.' He says it's doubtful that Vandross will ever perform again but in the same breath says if anyone can bounce back it's him. ''There are times when he's like his old self," says Marx "but it's almost like Alzheimer's, in that sometimes he drifts in and out of where he thinks he is.'' Vandross suffered a stroke on April 16, 2003. Marx' new album 'My Own Best Enemy' will be in stores in August.

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Luther Vandross Promises To Return To Performing
May 8, 2004 - Luther Vandross told Oprah Winfrey on Thursday (May 7) that he has no memory of the massive stroke that hit him in April of 2003. The singer whose speech sometimes appeared slurred during the interview promised to return to performing live someday. Vandross gave Winfrey the first interview since his stroke and says he misses getting dressed up and performing. His latest album 'Dance With My Father' was released on June 10, 2003 and has been a huge success on A.C., R&B and Smooth Jazz charts.

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Luther Vandross To Talk To Oprah
May 4, 2004 - They have been friends for years so its no surprise that Oprah Winfrey has snagged the first interview with Luther Vandross since his stroke. Vandross will be part of a Mother's Day special this Thursday on Oprah. The R&B singer is expected to talk about how his family and support from fans made a huge difference in his improving health. Vandross' mother will also be on the show as well as last year's American Idol winner Ruben Studdard who will perform. The segment will feature Vandross at his rehabilitation centre, attending his physical therapy sessions and working with a vocal coach. Vandross suffered a stroke in April of 2003.

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Diabetes Contributed To Vandross' Stroke
March 9, 2004 - According to Luther Vandross' mother Mary diabetes has affected her family deeply. The elder Vandross says the disease even contributed to her son's stroke last April and possibly killed Luther's father, sister, brother and nephew. She says Vandross was able to control his diabetes when he lost weight but claims the singer was overweight before he suffered his stroke. To help out Mary Vandross has done several public service announcements as a warning for the public. In other Luther Vandross News, the singer won four NAACP Image Awards on Saturday. The award show at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles honored Vandross for best male artist, video, song and album for "Dance with My Father." Ray Charles was inducted in the NAACP hall of fame after a tribute by B.B. King, Stevie Wonder and Bonnie Raitt.

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Beyonce'/ Luther Vandross Big Winners at the Grammys
February 8, 2004 - It was Beyonce's night at the Grammys. The R&B princess won five trophies including best female R&B Vocal Performance and R&B song. Luther Vandross (left) who's still recovering from a stroke suffered last year couldn't attend the ceremonies but won four Grammys. Vandross did appear though via a taped video message where the singer actually sang a bar from one of his songs. Vandross was the top Smooth Jazz artist of the night. Read More.

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Luther Vandross Will Not Attend The Grammys
February 4, 2004 - Luther Vandross was hoping to attend this Sunday's Grammy Awards but his doctors had other ideas. Vandross business manager, Carmen Romano, says his client was really excited about being nominated for five Grammys but will take his doctors advice and watch the ceremony from his home. Vandross should enjoy the telecast, Celine Dion, Alicia Keys and Richard Marx plan to pay tribute to the singer in a special segment. Vandross suffered a severe stroke last April and is still in a wheelchair.

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Luther Vandross May Attend The Grammys
December 17, 2003 - Luther Vandross is feeling pretty good about his five Grammy nominations - so good in fact that he wants to attend the Grammys. Clive Davis head of Vandross' label J Records says Vandross will only attend if he gets cleared by his doctors. Davis says there is a possibility but he would not hold out hope one way or the other. Since suffering a stroke in April not many have seen Vandross but Davis says "there's no question that Vandross' health is progressing."

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Grammy Nominations
December 4, 2003 - Luther Vandross picked up five Grammy nominations today for the upcoming 46th annual ceremony. Vandross did not pick up the most nods but he did top the list of artist played on Smooth Jazz radio. Four separate acts tied for most nominations, each with six, Beyonce, Jay-Z, OutKast and Pharrell Williams. Joining Vandross with five nominations were Missy Elliott, Eminem, Evanescence, 50 Cent, Chad Hugo, Ricky Skaggs, Justin Timberlake, and the late Warren Zevon. Canadian nominees included Nickelback, Sarah McLachlan and Avril Lavigne. Lavigne and McLachlan received nods for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
The Grammy Awards will be held February 8th in Los Angeles. Click here for the nominees.

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American Music Award Winners
November 17, 2003 - Soul veteran Luther Vandross(left) and rapper 50 Cent led the winners with two trophies each at last nights American Music Awards. Vandross who suffered a stroke on April 16th of this year won for best male R&B performer and favorite soul-R&B album for his most recent CD, "Dance with My Father." The singer who according to his representatives is far from fully recovered can speak but needs assistance to walk. His mother, Mary Vandross, accepted both awards on his behalf. "I'm so very sorry that Luther cannot be here tonight in person," she told the crowd, after a brief moment of tearful speechlessness. More.

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Review - Luther Vandross - Dance With My Father
November 2, 2003 - I've loved Luther forever, and when I first heard "Dance With My Father" I immediately remembered why. Talk about ripping at your heart strings, and especially in light of his recent illness, if the title track doesn't bring a tear to your eye, nothing will. I will readily admit to being a hopeless romantic, and no one sings romance better than Mr. Vandross. Check out "Think About You." Tender and soulful, he never over-sings, over-emotes or overdoes it. It's all the perfect blend of pipes, style and interpretation. Read more of the review.

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Luther Vandross' Voice "Same as It Ever Was"
October 10, 2003 - He is getting at least five hours of therapy a day and he seems to be improving fast. Luther Vandross who suffered a stroke on April 16th is singing again according to Patti LaBelle. She told People magazine that she sang a duet with Vandross and that his mind is so sharp. He could tell she messed up the words and that "his voice is the same as it ever was." Vandross' latest album is "Dance with My Father" featuring the autobiographical hit of the same name.

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American Music Award Nominee's Are In
September 16, 2003 - There were no clear standouts as the nominees were announced for the next American Music Awards. Several artists received two nominations including Celine Dion, Norah Jones, Beyonce, Avril Lavigne, Eminem, Cher, Luther Vandross, R Kelly and Fleetwood Mac. Winners will be announced November 16th in Los Angeles. The 31st Annual American Music Awards will be broadcast on ABC and hosted by Jimmy Kimmel. (pictured left) Check out the nominees.

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