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Singer Luther Vandross Dies at 54
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Nonetheless, after two semesters at Western Michigan University, he dropped out of college, determined to pursue a career in music. One of his early songs, "Everybody Rejoice," was used in the Broadway musical "The Wiz" in 1972.
He found a job as a warm-up act for David Bowie, then worked steadily as a backup singer for, among others, Carly Simon, Barbra Streisand, Chaka Khan, Bette Midler and Average White Band. He sang commercial jingles and, in 1975, formed an R&B group, Luther. He was the lead vocalist on the 1979 disco hit by Chic called "Dance, Dance, Dance."
In 1980, he was signed by Epic Records, which allowed him near total artistic control. Besides "Never Too Much" (1981), his hit albums included "Forever, For Always, For Love" (1982), "The Night I Fell in Love" (1985), "Power of Love" (1991) and "Never Let Me Go" (1993).
Describing his sensuous, insinuating way with a song, he said: "I'm more into poetry and metaphor. I would much rather imply something rather than to blatantly state it."
In 1986, while driving in California, Mr. Vandross was involved in a traffic accident in which a passenger was killed. He was placed on probation for reckless driving.
In his teenage years, he developed a weight problem that plagued him all his life. Several times, he grew to more than 300 pounds, then dieted furiously. Sometimes, he would become so slim that his weight loss prompted some to wonder whether he had AIDS or another disease.
"I used to go on stage at 9:30 having just eaten three hamburgers and French fries at 9:14," he told The Post in 1986. "Now I don't eat after 4 o'clock because I hate the feeling of being full."
Speculation that he was gay followed him for years, as well.
"These are crazy rumors," he told the Chicago Tribune in 2001, addressing questions about his weight, illnesses and sexuality. "And you know what, 20 years later when all those people who started the rumors are sick and in wheelchairs and I'm hopping on to the stage with full energy, that will tell the story. I'm in better health and shape now than I've ever been."
At the time of his stroke, Mr. Vandross had already recorded "Dance With My Father." A final album, recorded live at Radio City Music Hall in 2003, was later released. But he never performed on stage again.
Mr. Vandross never married and had no children.
