Luther Vandross

Luther Vandross

Luther Vandross Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 1, 2005.
NEW YORK (AP) - Grammy winner Luther Vandross, whose deep, lush voice on such hits as "Here and Now" and "Any Love" sold more than 25 million albums while providing the romantic backdrop for millions of couples worldwide, died Friday. He was 54.

Vandross died at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Edison, N.J., said hospital spokesman Rob Cavanaugh. He did not release the cause of death.

Since suffering a stroke in his Manhattan home on April 16, 2003, the R&B crooner stopped making public appearances — but amazingly managed to continue his recording career. In 2004, he captured four Grammys as a sentimental favorite, including best song for the bittersweet "Dance With My Father."

Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press


Sign Luther Vandross's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 26, 2025

Stephanie Harvey posted to the memorial.

March 25, 2025

Angela Tucker posted to the memorial.

February 9, 2025

Carmella posted to the memorial.

19033 Entries

Stephanie Harvey

May 26, 2025

I had the honor of being your flight attendant 3 times on a flight and how I enjoyed you! We took a picture together that I still treasure. You were an amazing artist and a beautiful man. Your music will always move me!

Angela Tucker

March 25, 2025

Thank you for sharing your vocal gift with the world. Rest in peace now. Take your rest. Your family is back together in heaven. Now you can sing praises to the King of Kings God himself.

Carmella

February 9, 2025

It has been 20 years you are gone. It is hard to believe. I listen to your music all the time. Your songs will always live on. Just watched your biography Luther never too much. It was wonderful and sad. You left us way too soon. You are so missed. R.I.P

Donna

January 11, 2025

Today, Luther Vandross you are still missed and truly truly loved. May you continue to spread your wings and fly and look upon us. Yes. You were and are amazing to be be loved. forever in our hearts.

Liliane Sosa

January 5, 2025

The most beautiful angelic voice ever. RIP

lutricia lewis

January 3, 2025

THE BEST ENTERTAINER THAT DID IT HIS WAY AND WAS BLESSED TO BE PHENOMENAL GENIUS EVER-TIME TO THIS DAY 01 03/2025

Thelda Harris

January 3, 2025

I have always loved Luther. I had a chance to meet him in New Orleans at the Worlds Fair about 35+ years ago. It just happen I was riding with someone and they of course were ready to go because they couldn´t get in. Also I have a family member that was born son same day. Also my other family member was born on his passing

Alea Russell

January 1, 2025

Just working, while active Army and this voice came over the radio and I couldn't finish typing soldiers Insurance form (SGLI) until he'd finished singing. I pretended the computer went down... or something believable. Soldier didn't care, he lied to his command that Customer Service take all day anyway... Not true with me as I typed then and still over 100 wpm!!! I caught all of Luther's songs on the first hearing and I would use my SHORTHAND skills as soon as I realized it was HIM.

Hawkins Dorris Jackson -

January 1, 2025

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always

Delois Jackson

September 3, 2024

I love to listen to Luther Vanross music He had a fantastic voice Luther rest in peace U will be sadly missed

Genevieve

May 23, 2024

When I sing your songs at Karoke, I get a standing ovation!! MISS you

vic/terry tillinghast

May 4, 2024

Luther: r I p we loved your music :)

Janie Tancredi

March 27, 2024

Thinking of you today and listening to your music that never leaves my heart

Janie Tancredi

December 10, 2023

I just wash a special on you and remembering it's over 18 years since you're gone but your music will always live on one of your greatest fans Jane

Joe DeHoyos

May 4, 2021

LVD
Another song I like that is a gem is the power of love. Good instrumentation combined with your voice, it is pleasing to music fans. Good clean music has a positive effect on people like that song does.
King David as a lad played the harp to calm King Solomon down in the Old Testament in the Holy Bible KJV.
Elvis, the King of Rock n Roll and you, LVD had orchestra’s mixed in with the band and backup singers and it all added to both of your shows/concerts. That made it better, for music lovers who play different instruments will like that diverse package and knowing that it all contributed to support the main acts. You Luther Van Dross and Elvis Presley amped up the concerts with orchestra’s ! Plus I noticed Elvis has more two piece concert suits than I previously thought, like the 1975 tornado benefit concert in Mississippi that he donated concert money raised and too give to Governor Wallace and victims of the tornadoes in 1975. EP wore a white top with blue and silver on the shoulders, and you also wore many other two piece suits, besides the one with red on the shoulders. Again those two piece suits both of you wore were sharp and adding orchestra’s to both of your concerts attracts new fans who will be interested in orchestra work and contributing to music there. Thanks for bringing joy to all musical fans.
JD
West Texas
USA

Julie McCormickSaathoff

April 20, 2021

Luther and his music are very dear to me and my family and memory's of sing along road trips and the 'power of Love'! Thank you Luther you are missed.

Briana Warren

December 26, 2020

You will truly be missed such a amazing talented soul

Martin Allen

November 14, 2020

Luther Vandross oh my god you were taken too soon. In life we all have joy, sadness, love and heartbreak many of us experience them all me included. I just wanted to say thank you so very very much for helping me through mine. Your voice is truly in a league of its own by a country mile. Your songs and how you deliver them provide people with hope, courage and enjoyment second to none. I had the honour of seeing you 3 times live and you blew my mind with your talent it is such a tradegy you left us. I would have given anything to meet you it would have been the highlight of listening to your music for nearly 40 years. Rest in Peace you were a great man

Brenda Parker

August 13, 2020

Luther there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you and your beautiful voice that soothed me so many times. I still play your music when I need to calm down or just want to relax. Your music reminds me of that old Calgon commercial when the lady says Calgon take me away. Well, I play your music and I say "Luther take me away" and the minute I hear your voice a sense of calmness comes over me! I will treasure my memories of attending all of your concerts whenever you came to this area. I never missed one of them and I will always consider myself to be your number two fan because your Mom was your number one! RIP Luther and now you can "Dance With Your Father" and your Mother Embracing "The Power Of Love" Eternally!
Always, Lady Leo

Joe DeHoyos

June 24, 2020

Mr. Vandross
My favorite song by you is here and now which is a great song ! Your voice and stage act was smooth and graceful and the fans marveled at your voice. Thank you for your Great music and singing ! You and Elvis Presley
(another Great music singer) were way ahead of your time in regarding your two piece suits. Elvis wore a two piece white suit with blue and silver trim on the shoulders in a benefit concert (In 1975) that he gave to/for the state of Mississippi to raise money for victims of the tornadoes that year. You wore a two piece suit with red trim on shoulders. Elvis and you were way ahead of your time regarding concert two piece suits and both of your two piece suits look sharp and with great design that is pleasing to the fans eyes. Again I enjoy your music and it will live on with new fans. My condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Luther Vandross for your loss.
(23 Psalm KGV and
John Chapter 3 verse 16 KJV)
JD
Carlsbad Texas - Sanatorium Texas

Gina Crespoarce

May 29, 2020

Listening to your beautiful and soulful voice today while cleaning.
You're now with the angels in heaven.
Thank you for sharing You're God given talent with all of us❤
With love, G

Nan Mercede

March 19, 2020

You are a very special human being Luther and I miss you very much!

November 21, 2019

My heartfelt sympathy to the family's...To the Vandross..May God be a God of all Comfort...

Dr. Donna Wintons-James

October 31, 2019

Luther you have been gone for 14 years and we still miss you and your beautiful voice. There will never be another like you!! My desire is that you made it to your Heavenly home!!! Love you forever!!!!!

Veronika Williams

August 4, 2019

Luther you will always be loved and missed. Forever and Always!

Linda West

April 29, 2019

Luther has been missed by many he had a beautiful Voice I loved his songs RIP Luther

Carol Brown

March 9, 2019

The music still lives. It is the resounding soundtrack of my life. I know you are a beautiful angel up there.

Lisa Murrey Ransom

December 25, 2018

L.OVED
U.NIQUE
T.IMELESS
H.UMBLE
E.XCEPTIONAL
R.ADIANT

V.IBRANT
A.UTHENTIC
N.OBLE
D.EVOTED
R.EWARDING
O.UTSTANDING
S.ENSATIONAL
S.PECTACULAR

YOU WERE DEFINITELY ONE OF A KIND, HEART, BODY, SOUL, AND MIND, AND YOU HAVE LEFT A WONDERFUL, AND BEAUTIFUL LEGACY BEHIND.

REST IN GOD'S LOVING ARMS DEAR ONE.

NEVER GONE, NEVER WILL BE FORGOTTEN.

Barbara Anderson

April 18, 2018

So missed! I know you are singing with the"Angelica Choir" singing praises to our Lord.

Anusha Moodley

March 5, 2018

I cant believe so many great artists are gone in my lifetime thus far...Michael, Whitney, Barry, Prince....& you....I pray that my child & others to come will cherish the music as we do.....Gone but never forgotten...

Darlene Freeman

February 13, 2018

You were the Greatest R&B Singer in my time.
Like you When You Say Good-Bye it's never for long.

Love You Luther

S Bonaparte

December 2, 2017

Missing you Luther.

Nyna Collins

November 29, 2017

To this day in 2017 I listen to your music often. I shutter to think of the great music you would have made today. However you will always be with us in memory and song.

None Smith

September 15, 2017

God bless you I'm sorry that your a sweet angel I love your songs to much I listen to them all the time

Rene' White

June 25, 2017

What a beautiful Sunday afternoon, decided to pull out Live at Wembley and could not stop singing all my favorites. Luther you are truly missed..RIP..

June 18, 2017

so missed!

Claudette Jones

June 10, 2017

You are really missing rest in peace love you

Vickie Davis

May 30, 2017

Vickie Davis

Carol-Randle Brown

April 20, 2017

Gone but never forgotten!! The incomparable Luther Vandross!!

B E

April 20, 2017

Forever For always For Love!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOVE!

Meera Raja

April 12, 2017

I'm writing this in 2017. I still can't believe he's gone. His music will continue to be part of the soundtrack of my life as long as I'm alive. Hopefully in the afterlife as well.

Devern, Blu Mims

April 7, 2017

Missing you dearly Luther Vandross!! RIEP

Stacy Clark

March 23, 2017

Good music is timeless and never dies. One of my favorite tracks is Nights In Harlem. Thank you for the music, sending light and love to you as you continue your journey and keep making music in heaven :)

Regina King

March 15, 2017

I truly miss u Luther and your lovely voice! RIP

Sue Bailey

February 10, 2017

Never forgotten

Susan Cline

February 9, 2017

RIP......Luther

Tasha England

February 2, 2017

Miss You!!

Elizabeth Murray

January 4, 2017

This candle I light for you will serve as light unto your pathway to the door from earth to heaven continue resting in heaven with thy creator.

L P

December 29, 2016

Still missing you, Luther, and your beautiful music.

Brenda Dunigan

December 27, 2016

Luther u was gone to soon but God had another job for you while in heaven if you see my son Anthawn
and my mother Bessie will u tell them that Brenda
Said she loves them so very much and misses them
Every single day

December 5, 2016

LUTHER WHAT A GIFT YOU WERE TO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY. I DEEPLY MISS YOU AND YOUR AWESOME LIGHT UP STAGE PERFOMANCE.

THANKS,
AG

November 25, 2016

I met Luther in 2001 in the design building on 59th and 3rd avenue in NYC, the D&D Building.
We were both waiting for our samples of fabrics for about 10 minutes, so we chatted about design. I assumed he was a designer like me. He showed me what he was planning for his mother's New Jersey home. A pretty peachy colored wall covering and matching drapery fabric.
He was very fond of his mother and he seemed to be a wonderful man.
As I was leaving with my fabric samples, I said to him " it was so nice meeting you, what is your name?"
He said, "really nice meeting you, too, my name is Luther".

As I walked down the showroom, I turned to him and I said "Luther Vandross?"
He said, "yes, girl!"
I was so happy to have met him. He was so kind and a lovely human being!

Kendall Davis

November 25, 2016

Hope he Luther Vandross comes up in the first resurrection and get into the good side of the kingdom of God which will be on this earth

Emily Blackmon

November 2, 2016

Loved you dearly. You are truly missed

Joyce Johnson

October 30, 2016

Miss you Luther your voice was one of a kind and no can ever mimic you rip Luther my heart stays sad when I hear your voice. Thanks for leaving your elegant music that you shared with us.

Lu Phillips

October 25, 2016

What magnificent voice!!!!! RIP Luther.

Tiff Blakney

August 13, 2016

You are my favorite of all times Luther. When I was a teenager I learned the lyrics to your beautiful and still listen to your music today.. There will never be anyone to replace you or the songs you have blessed us with.. R.I.P. Luther Vandross.

Denise Scott

July 25, 2016

Always remembered. R.I.P

Kim Lighten

June 29, 2016

My Luther , its been almost 11 years now, and I miss you still. You will always be in my heart and all of those who loved you. Thank you, thank you for the memories you left us.

Valenda Newell

June 26, 2016

No one, no one can be as smooth, mellow and soulful as Luther. Singles, couples and married folks alike loved you. The songs you sang put a person at ease...it was time for total relaxation. The love song master you will be in my heart forever...missing you..missing you...RIP

Maria Reed

June 19, 2016

I will always love your beautiful music! You are truly missed!

Delores Simms

April 24, 2016

Rest in Heavenly Peace,

Delores Simms

April 24, 2016

I know your birthday was just April 20th, though I just found out about this site. Happy Birthday Luther I also want to share that you are my favorite artist I truly miss you, I listen to you all the time, and I will always ❤ you Luther Vandross Rest in Heavenly Peace❤

Deborah Griffin

April 21, 2016

There will never be a voice to replace yours. Your present is truly missed. May God keep you in his loving arms.

lisa

March 20, 2016

luther you are terribly missed but as long as we have your music, you'll live on forever. may you rest in eternal peace.

Dixie Durcan

March 11, 2016

May God Bless and give the family,peace at this time.

February 25, 2016

Love you
Susan

Jane Lee

February 13, 2016

One of my all time favorites. So sorry he left us at such a young age. My husband and I are listening to his music on our deck right now, one of my all time favorites! Jane and Jack

February 3, 2016

sing it Luther. rest in heaven

darlene simmons

December 28, 2015

rest in peace,sing for god now

Sharon George

December 13, 2015

As I look back in life a wonderful man will be missed years to come his legacy will never die his music will live forever . Oh what a great lost to the world I here his music ringing in my ear. I followed him from Texas to Lousiana every time.

Vera Joyce Thomas-Pinney

November 25, 2015

I have always loved Luther from my high schools days over 26 years ago until now he is my love doctor and I loved him so much. I had the limo service play a series or his videos and songs while transporting to and from the church on my wedding day. This love will never die. Rest in eternal peace. since heaven needed an angel I let you go, but you are in my heart forever my love doctor. love you always.

Rob Linear

November 4, 2015

I still enjoy your work Mr. Vandross. Gone but never forgotten. Rest in Heaven.

Wanda spence

October 25, 2015

I will dance with you in Heaven. Rest my friend, rest

Ludwe Maweni

October 16, 2015

So sad that I never got to see him live because I was only 12 years by the time of his death, he is the greatest singer of all time

Linda Mgubuli- Dindi

October 13, 2015

You may be gone but your music leaves on in our hearts. You are missed big time!
Rest in Heaven my super star!

chandra welmaker

October 10, 2015

Luther,even after all these years,you are still missed.Your untimely death was really a blow to your fans.You did leave us with some great hits though.Take your rest in PARADISE,MR VANDROSS!

Steven

October 7, 2015

I remember all the house parties and endless Luther. I think back to my early 20's and the Luther concerts. What a wonderful time and when I hear Luther on the radio, I sometimes close my eyes and smile. There will never be another LUTHER VANDROSS. It doesn't seem like 10 years have past so quickly.

marguerita funderburk

September 26, 2015

jehovah has luther in his memory there will be a ressurrection for him he'll be back (ps 37:11)

Gertie Harvin

September 26, 2015

I Miss your Beautiful voice of Amazing Music R.I.P. Luther Vandross #1 IN My Book!

Demetric Cooper

September 15, 2015

My name is Demetric Cooper from Boston. My Wife Tanisha Cooper fliped Never too mcuh and made it a gospel song.We would have never recorded it if the song was to be done unjustly. However, It's such an anointing song, I want all of Luther's truest fans to take a listen before anyone else. Please email me at [email protected] Thank you, You will be pleased!

August 21, 2015

always listening to your once in a lifetime voice.you are truly missed

paula reed

August 18, 2015

Luther your song if I didnt know better is a master hit by its self my kids love it sing for the lord now ill be there to hear your lovely voice again god bless you.

ASHISH PATEL

August 13, 2015

A wonderful voice. We were robbed loosing you at such a young graceful age. Your music lives today but just imagine what we could've gained had you still been around. R I P Brother....

Ashish Patel

Shyana Anderson

July 28, 2015

Luther to wrer and are the best singer in America the ambassador of love I love you you are with out a doubt a legend

Evamarie MB

July 26, 2015

Today I was listening to songs in YouTube and you came to my mind. Such an inspiration to so many of us that love music. You are truly missed.

Cynthia Clarke

July 26, 2015

I really miss you Luther. You were my favorite vocalist. Every time I hear one of your songs tears fill my eyes especially Power of Love. You will always hold a special place in my heart.

Karen Hamiltin

July 1, 2015

I really miss you Luther..But I have you and your beautiful music in my heart and mind..Rest Internally in Heaven..

Paula

July 1, 2015

It's a blessing to have grown up to your music..
I even walked down the isle to "Here and Now". You are greatly missed, one of the great musical legends. Continue to RIP Sir Luther Vandross.

keith Washington

July 1, 2015

Rip luther vandross.....

Sesi Poppy

June 27, 2015

RIP MR LV.U realy made ur life a meaning in this Earth.i grew up to a family that listen to ur music,until today we still love n listen to ur smooth voice n ur undying msgs u sang about.I pray that u can meet wth ma late Brother Lucas who introduced ur music to my family.We will always LOVE N MISS U BROTHER.:(

Sesi Poppy

June 27, 2015

I grew up in a family that was listening to your music,I saw ur lst video n i ws torn apart seeing u like that.Bt iam sure u r happy where u r now.I pray that u can meet my late brother Lucas who introduce ur music to my family.We r still listen 2ur smooth voice n ur undying lovable music.RIP BROTHER ,WIL ALWAYS LOV N MISS U:(

shelly kincaid

June 5, 2015

You were right Luther never too much we love u rip

Homer kines

May 28, 2015

The Best!!! Miss you Luther.

William Gray

May 22, 2015

As a music producer you rarely come across a talent like Luther. Luther was one of those natural talents like today Jennifer Hudson. Luther lost on the Apollo Theater on Amateur night as Jennifer Hudson lost on American Idol. Jennifer Hudson won an Oscar her first time out but Luther became an American Icon winning win a total of four Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, #54 Rolling Stones best singers of all time and on of National Public Radio's 50 greatest voices and a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I have played a Luther song to set the stage when being romantic. Luther will be forever missed.

Mary Marshall

May 8, 2015

Luther , may you rest in peace with a smile of eternity ; you are among others knowing that you are greatly missed

Showing 1 - 100 of 19,033 results

Make a Donation
in Luther Vandross's name

How to support Luther's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Luther Vandross's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored

Sign Luther Vandross's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 26, 2025

Stephanie Harvey posted to the memorial.

March 25, 2025

Angela Tucker posted to the memorial.

February 9, 2025

Carmella posted to the memorial.