Vibe.com, July 5th, 2005
BET has been airing a series of shows dedicated to Vandross since Saturday [July 2] and today BET After Dark will air a special video show dedicated to the singer at 1 am (ET/PT). Oprah is streaming her first interview with Vandross on her web site. A tribute album featuring Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Celine Dion and others covering Vandross classics, is being produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, according to USA Today. No release date has been set. (continued)
Vandross sold more than 25 million albums and won eight Grammy's during his career, and though he suffered a stroke in April 2003 his album, Dance With My Father, sold almost a million copies in its first month of release that June. During his career, Vandross collaborated with Janet Jackson on "The Best Things in Life Are Free," Mariah Carey on "Endless Love," and Beyoncé on "The Closer I Get to You." His hit singles included "Give Me the Reason," Stop to Love," "There's Nothing Better Than Love" and "Here and Now."
"As one of the top vocalists in R&B; and pop music, this multi-GRAMMY winning icon has had an indelible career writing, singing and producing hits - all made instantly memorable by his soothing and sensuous tenor. Luther Vandross was honored with his eighth GRAMMY Award during our 46th GRAMMY telecast, during which we saluted his music and his fighting spirit," Recording Academy President Neil Portnow said in a statement. "Luther's life and songs demonstrated the power of love, and his music will live on forever, though we will miss a good friend and an immensely talented man."
Vandross, who struggled with weight problems for years, died at JFK Medical Center in Edison, New Jersey at 1:47 p.m. on July 1, surrounded by family, friends and a medical support team, according to reports. He was 54.
