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Luther Vandross, the iconic R&B singer known for his silky smooth voice and romantic ballads, left an indelible mark on the music industry. His niece, Seveda Williams, recently shared insights into the man behind the music, shedding light on his inspirations and personal life.
"He was really a consummate professional, a man about his business and about making sure his audiences were satisfied and delighted," Williams told People. This dedication to his craft helped Vandross achieve his goal of becoming "a premier singer of his time," as Williams noted.
Vandross's career spanned decades, earning him eight Grammy Awards and selling over 35 million records worldwide. His chart-topping hits like "Here and Now" and "Dance with My Father" continue to resonate with listeners today.
The source of Vandross's heartfelt lyrics often came from unexpected places. Williams explained, "I think his depth of love came from his own situations and when you're young, he was writing before he was even in any type of relationship or anything. So he was not always singing about romantic love."
Despite his openness in his music, Vandross was notoriously private about his personal life. This aspect of his personality will be explored in the upcoming documentary "Never Too Much," set to release in January 2025. Director Dawn Porter told IndieWire, "What we tried to do was balance, here's how Luther handled those questions in his life. But it was really, really important to me...to honor how he lived."
Vandross's impact on the music industry continues to be celebrated. Sony Music recently re-released his first two albums, "Luther" and "This Close to You," on vinyl, CD, and digital formats. These releases allow new generations to discover Vandross's timeless sound.
Throughout his career, Vandross faced personal struggles, including health issues and public speculation about his private life. Williams addressed a recent controversy involving Madonna's Celebration tour, stating, "He passed away from a combination of stroke, diabetes and hypertension."
Fellow artists have consistently praised Vandross's talent and influence. Alicia Keys once said, "Luther Vandross had a voice like no other and his music is the soundtrack of our lives." This sentiment is echoed by many in the industry who consider Vandross a pivotal figure in R&B.
As fans eagerly await the release of "Never Too Much," Williams hopes the documentary will present a complete picture of her uncle. "I hope people see him as human, a man who had a great career, but a man who lived a life," she said.
Luther Vandross's legacy as the "last true king of romance" in R&B continues to inspire and move audiences worldwide, ensuring his place in music history for generations to come.
