Though Luther Vandross passed away nearly 20 years ago, his memory and musical legacy continues to live on and find is resurgence with each passing year.
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If you were looking for proof of that, look no further than the recently released documentary, “Luther: Never Too Much,” that recently aired on CNN. Detailing the beloved singer’s humble beginnings to eventual rise to fame, the Dawn Porter-directed film gives fans of Vandross a more intimate look at the man behind the musical magic. It also got us to reminiscing and thinking about some of the singer’s best performances before his shocking death.
So it’s in that spirit that we’d like to take a look at some of the best moments Luther Vandross gave us. After all, you can never have too much Luther in your life. Read on to experience the goodness!
1988- “A House Is Not a Home”
Now you already know we had to start off strong with his iconic NAACP Image Awards performance of “A House Is Not a Home.” Though it was originally Dionne Warwick’s song, it became Vandross after this night.
1994- “If Only for One Night”
Though he sang it acapella and at the last second, Vandross did what needed to be done by closing out Arsenio Hall’s last show with his performance of “If Only for One Night.”
1988- “Superstar”
The Wembly served as the scene for a myriad of memorable performances but Vandross’ “Superstar” is no doubt in the top five.
1989- “Here and Now”
The Wembly wasn’t the only venue that could host some legendary Vandross performances. We’d bet good money that the Royal Albert Hall in London was never the same after this.
1989- “Endless Love” with Mariah Carey
We know Mariah Carey was blessed when she found out Vandross said yes to doing a duet with her. But we’re all the better for it because their voices meshed together so beautifully.
1987- “So Amazing”
Do we really have to say it? This performance speaks for itself.
1987- “Never Too Much”
Yet another gem from the Wembly, Vandross “Never Too Much” just truly hits all the right notes.
1982- “If This World Were Mine” feat. Cheryl Lynn
If you were wondering where the sample from Kendrick Lamar’s popular song “Luther” came from, here’s your answer.
1982- “Bad Boy/Having a Party”
Who better to sing about throwing a party other than Vandross? Here, he kicked things off with a performance on “Soul Train” by singing “Bad Boy/Having a Party.”
1987- “Wait for Love”
Just another one of his best songs from live at the Wembley, Vandross stunned the crowd while singing “Wait for Love.”
1987- “That’s What Friends Are For” feat. Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick and Stevie Wonder
Performing live at the Soul Train Music Awards, Vandross was joined by Houston, Warwick and Wonder for this memorable rendition of “That’s What Friends Are For.”
1985- “If Only for One Night” feat. Patti LaBelle
One of the many times these two would join the stage together, Vandross appeared during the 1985 special, appropriately dubbed “The Pattie LaBelle Show.”
2001- Michael Jackson Man in the Mirror 30th Anniversary
In a surprising performance medley, Vandross hit the stage alongside Usher and white boy band 98 Degrees to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Michael Jackson’s hit song “Man in the Mirror.”
1985- “How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye?” feat. Dionne Warwick
Performing during the sixth season of Paramount’s hit 1980s TV series, “SOLID GOLD” Vandross and host Warwick serenaded the audience by performing their duet “How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye?”
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