When internet users visit Google on April 20, 2021, they will have the option of viewing a Google Doodle that celebrates the music of one of the greatest singers of his generation, Luther Vandross. The Doodle shows an animated Luther singing one of his most popular songs. The great thing about his music and him as an entertainment icon is that he is simply known by one name-“Luther”.
That name has brought joy to many music listeners over the years. Throughout his career, he has been known for his vocal range and resonance on his songs, which are mostly romantic ballads and R&B hits. Luther had a special voice that sounded amazing over the piano, and dynamic when other instruments were played along with his singing.
Luther is an eight-time Grammy Award winning artist with the nickname “the velvet voice”. He made a significant contribution to music and had an uncanny ability to connect with his audiences through songs like “Never Too Much”, “Here and Now”, “Power of Love/Love Power”, and “Don’t Want to Be a Fool”.
The Google Doodle became available on Luther’s birthday, who would be 70 years old if he were still with us today. He was born Luther Ronzoni Vandross Jr. on April 20, 1951. He developed a passion for music while growing up in New York’s Lower Eastside and the Bronx. He taught himself how to play the piano at the age of three and started a Patti LaBelle fan club when he was in high school. After starting his solo career he and Ms. LaBelle became musical collaborators and best friends. Luther was appreciative of getting to know her as a musician and as a person, and their friendship led to many positive things.
After discovering his passion for singing and playing the piano, Luther’s mother encouraged his musical education and wanted him to observe other artists that may encourage him to further develop his craft. His mom allowed him to see singers like Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin live in concert.
After graduating high school, Luther started his solo career, performing his original songs at Amateur Night at Harlem’s Apollo Theater. He also joined a theatre workshop entitled Listen My Brother which gave him the opportunity to sing on several episodes of the first season of Sesame Street. His career took off in 1975 when he co-wrote David Bowie’s “Fascination” and “Everybody Rejoice” for the Broadway musical, The Wiz.
Luther did not officially brand himself as a solo artist until 1981. In the years prior he was a popular backup singer for Bowie, Diana Ross, Cat Stevens and Roberta Flack. His debut album Never Too Much reached number one on the R&B charts and it became one of 14 albums that either went platinum or multiplatinum.
Luther stopped performing live after experiencing a stroke in 2003. However, in the same year, he released an incredible album entitled Dance with My Father. He received four Grammys for the album.
Luther died at 54 in 2005. His family is upholding his legacy and they are grateful that Google chose to honor him with a Doodle.
“It is a true reflection of Luther Vandross’ musical legacy around the world to be honored by Google with an animated video Doodle that fittingly captures the joy Luther has brought the world,” the family expressed in a statement provided by Google. “Luther made each of his songs about one simple, universal subject—love; an emotion and feeling common to the human experience no matter who you are, where you’re from or what you look like.”
Luther’s music is still common on R&B radio and he is still an inspiration to upcoming singer-songwriters who write and perform ballads and emotional songs.
