Luther Vandross

The multi-talented Luther Vandross first earned recognition when a song he wrote was included in the musical THE WIZ in the early '70s, but it was his golden voice that made him one of the most sought-after session vocalists in the business. His significant contributions to David Bowie's Philly Soul-inspired YOUNG AMERICANS led to his first solo work in 1976, and subsequently, he has dwelt in the rarefied land of the platinum record as an R&B singing star with armloads of Grammys. Vandross has also been an in-demand record producer, and has sung duets with icons of soul ranging from Aretha Franklin to Mariah Carey. In 2003, Vandross went into a coma following a stroke, but learned to sing again after extensive rehabilitation. His death in 2005 robbed the world of one of its most soulful voices.

• pop
• r&b/soul