Acting
Luther Vandross
Born 1951-04-20 · New York City, New York, USA
Designated the "heartbeat" of R&B during the 1980s and 1990s, Luther Vandross led a productive singing and song writing life. At age 30, he finally recorded his first solo album with the No. 1 R&B and "Top 20" pop chart maker, "Never Too Much". He continued steadily with such albums as "Forever, for Always, for Love" in 1982 and "Give Me the Reasons" (1986), but it wasn't until 1989 that he had his first "Top 10" single with "Here and Now" (No. 6), which finally placed him securely on the love song pedestal. Such other No. 1 R&B singles would include "Stop to Love", "There's Nothing Better than Love" and "Any Love". The 1990s seemed, career-wise, stronger than ever again with a Top 40 hit duetting with Mariah Carey in 1994 on "My Endless Love" and the release of his No. 1 R&B signature version of "Always and Forever" (1994). On camera film and TV acting appearances include a cameo in Robert Townsend's motion picture The Meteor Man (1993) and episodes of "Beverly HIlls 90210 (as himself) and "Touched by an Angel." A documentary, Luther Vandross: Always and Forever (1994), is also available. Throughout his career, Luther continued to write and produce for other artists including Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick, Teddy Pendergrass, Cheryl Lynn and Aretha Franklin. Following his massive April 2003 stroke, he made a phantom return to the spotlight with the release of his 2003 CD "Dance With My Father", which was recorded prior to his illness. At the awards show, the absent Luther was rewarded with four Grammys, including song of the year. The success also gave him his first No. 1 album on the pop chart and four NAACP Image Awards. The beloved 54-year-old musician died at JFK Medical Centre in Edison, New Jersey, of his lingering complications and was survived by his Evangelist mother, Mary Ida Vandross, who was instrumental in promoting her son's last work to Grammy glory following his severe debilitation.
Acting credits
8.0Celebrating the 30 year anniversary of Michael Jackson's solo career, this legendary performance took place on September 10, 2001.
Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration
2001
5.8One night Jefferson Reed gets hit in the chest by a souped-up chunk of meteor. So he can fly, but he's scared of heights. He can master the information in any book ... for about thirty seconds. Now his friends and family want him to protect their community from the dreaded Golden Lords.
The Meteor Man
1993
4.3A celebrity benefit for The Actors' Fund of America, featuring music, songs, dance and comedy.
Night of 100 Stars III
1990
NRProstrate probing interviews! Live action murder! Naked people! Tired death-rockers! And more! Much more!!
Fertile La Toyah Video Magazine #2: The Kinky Issue!
1994
7.0Behind the scenes making of the charity single "Voices That Care".
Voices That Care
1991
9.0One Amazing Night is a 1998 live tribute show performed by artists such as Dionne Warwick, Elvis Costello, Luther Vandross, Sheryl Crow and others to honor the music of Burt Bacharach. It was recorded live at the Hammerstein Ballroom, New York City with Bacharach himself conducting the orchestra and playing the piano.
Burt Bacharach: One Amazing Night
1998
A primetime TV concert special celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo Theater with Motown legends.
Motown Returns to the Apollo
1985
NRNo synopsis available yet.
O Melhor do Flash Back - 92 Clipes Para Recordar
2009
9.0Featuring inverviews from: Afrika Bambaataa, Ashford & Simpson, Jackson Browne, Kim Burell, Taylor Dayne, Carmen Electra, Faith Evans, Roberta Flack, Joel Gray, Kc & the Sunshine Band, Eartha Kitt, Patti Labelle, Queen Latifah and more?
The Making and Meaning of 'We Are Family'
2002
6.0One hour television documentary about the life and career of singer Natalie Cole which originally aired on Lifetime Television in 1998. Includes interviews with Natale Cole, Tony Bennett, Quincy Jones, Phil Ramone, David Foster, Chaka Khan, Luther Vandross, Maria Cole, Dan Cleary and narrated by Patrick Stewart.
Intimate Portrait: Natalie Cole
1999
8.0Luther Vandross started his career supporting David Bowie, Roberta Flack, Bette Midler, and more. His undeniable talent earned platinum records and accolades, but he struggled to break out beyond the R&B charts. Intensely driven, he overcame personal and professional challenges to secure his place amongst the greatest vocalists in history.
Luther: Never Too Much
2024
8.0Grammy-winning R & B artist Luther Vandross shines on hits such as "A House Is Not a Home" and "For You to Love" in this memorable collection of performances, recorded live at London's Wembley Arena as part of his 1988-89 tour. Other set list selections include "Give Me the Reason," "She Won't Talk to Me," "Love Won't Let Me Wait," "Never Too Much," "Superstar," "Stop to Love," "Searching," "Any Love" and "Come Back."
Luther Vandross: Live at Wembley
1988
NRAn extremely unique celebration of Christmas for the young and hip and the young at heart.
The 7th Annual Soul Train Christmas Starfest
2004
7.0BBC archive performances from musicals, including Ella Fitzgerald singing Mack the Knife, Captain Sensible performing a classic from South Pacific and Jay Z taking on Annie.
…Sings Musicals
2012
NRArchival music performances and contemporary interviews cover some of the history of Motown Records and Productions.
Motown 40: The Music Is Forever
1998
NRVideo compilation of funk, dance and soul tracks.
Funky Dance Grooves
2004
10.0The Spice Girls perform in front of a celebrity, and predominantly female audience, as well as answering questions about their lives and their rise to stardom.
An Audience with the Spice Girls
1997
7.5Recorded at the Royal Albert Hall on his 1994-1995 world tour, this concert features the legendary Luther Vandross at his most smooth and sensuous, performing his greatest hits and favorite covers. Songs include "Never Too Much," "Stop to Love," "Here and Now," "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now," and "Give Me the Reason."
Luther Vandross: Always And Forever - An Evening of Songs
2005
6.3A celebration of the singer who conquered the 1990s and changed the sound of pop and R&B forever. A collection of some of Mariah Carey's most beloved hits, plus interview footage from the BBC archives.
Mariah Carey at the BBC
2022
4.2A 2hr concert shot at the Knitting Factory in Hollywood in 2006. A truly unique musical event/biopic from the Grammy Award winning producer and musician.
Marcus Miller - Master Of All Trades
2006