One thing that can’t be denied is the power of love for Luther Vandross. On what would have been his 70th birthday, the influential soul legend was awarded four new certifications by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
“Dance with My Father,” the heartwarming title track of his final album from 2003, is now certified platinum by the RIAA. The career-defining tune won Song of the Year at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards, as well as Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
Another newly platinum-coated gem from the R&B balladeer is “Endless Love,” a duet with Mariah Carey. It peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October 1994.
“Here and Now,” the Grammy-winning, number-one single from his 1989 The Best of Luther Vandross… The Best of Love compilation received sales of one million, earning him another platinum honor.
Vandross’ elegant rendition of Dionne Warwick’s “A House is Not a Home,” taken from his 1981 debut album Never Too Much, reached gold status.
A year after releasing his regarded Dance with My Father album, Vandross died in July 2005.
In 2020, Rated R&B honored the pure vocal perfection of the Velvet Voice by featuring his 2003 Live At Radio City Music Hall album on their favorite live R&B albums list. Revisit it here.
